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Java Class Methods

Class methods in Java are functions defined within a class that describe the behaviors or actions that objects of the class can perform. Methods can manipulate the object's attributes and provide a way to interact with the object's data.

1. Defining Methods

Methods are defined inside the class body and include an access modifier, return type, method name, and parameters (if any).

public class Calculator {
    public int add(int a, int b) {
        return a + b;
    }
}

2. Calling Methods

Methods are called using the dot notation on an object of the class.

Calculator calc = new Calculator();
int result = calc.add(5, 10);
System.out.println("Result: " + result); // Outputs: Result: 15

3. Static Methods

Static methods belong to the class rather than any instance. They can be called without creating an object of the class.

public class MathUtil {
    public static int square(int number) {
        return number * number;
    }
}

int squared = MathUtil.square(4);
System.out.println("Squared: " + squared); // Outputs: Squared: 16

4. Method Overloading

Methods can be overloaded by defining multiple methods with the same name but different parameters.

public class Display {
    public void show(int number) {
        System.out.println("Number: " + number);
    }
    public void show(String text) {
        System.out.println("Text: " + text);
    }
}

5. Access Modifiers

Access modifiers control the visibility of methods:

  • public: Accessible from any other class.
  • private: Accessible only within the declared class.
  • protected: Accessible within the same package or subclasses.
  • default (no modifier): Accessible within the same package.

Key Takeaways

  • Class methods define the behaviors of objects.
  • Methods can manipulate object attributes and perform operations.
  • Static methods belong to the class and can be called without creating an object.
  • Method overloading allows for flexible method definitions.
  • Use access modifiers to control method visibility and encapsulation.
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