Unit 6: User-Defined Methods
In addition to the methods predefined in Java, we can write user-defined methods. In this unit, we will discuss how to name a method, declare a parameter list, and specify the return type. This unit introduces the scope of variables as well. By the end of this unit, you will have a strong understanding of how to define and call a method.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- write methods with zero or more parameters; and
- make method calls.
- write methods with zero or more parameters; and
6.1: Creating and Using Methods
We communicate with objects using methods. Methods are executable code within each object, for which an interface has been established. Sometimes the interface is only for the object itself. Other times it is an interface accessible by other objects. This chapter discusses that topic in detail.
Threads may be seen as methods that execute at "the same time" as other methods. Normally, we think sequentially when writing a computer program. From this perspective, only one thing executes at a time. However, with today's multi-core processors, it is possible to literally have several things going on at the very same time while sharing the same memory. There are lots of ways that this is done in the real world, and this chapter goes over them in a way that you can apply to your own projects.
6.2: Overloaded Methods
This chapter reviews method parameters and local variables, as well as method overloading and method signature.
Method overloading means two or more methods have the same name but have different parameter lists: either a different number of parameters or different types of parameters. When a method is called, the corresponding method is invoked by matching the arguments in the call to the parameter lists of the methods. The name together with the number and types of a method's parameter list is called the signature of a method. The return type itself is not part of the signature of a method.
Complete this review exercise. Think of the correct response to fill in the blank, and then click on the blank to reveal the correct answer.
Unit 6 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.