Java method return types

In this tutorial, you’ll learn about Java method return types, Basic Return Types, Method with void Return Type​, Method with a Primitive Return Type​ along with examples and Why Use Return Types.

• The return type of a method defines what kind of value the method will return after it completes its execution.
• If a method performs some calculations or operations, it can send the result back to the part of the program that called it.

Basic Return Types​

• void: This return type means the method does not return any value.
• Primitive Types: These include int, double, char, boolean, etc., which are the basic data types in Java.
• Reference Types: These include objects and arrays, such as String, ArrayList, and custom objects.

Method with void Return Type​

A method with a void return type doesn’t return any value. It just performs an action.

public class MyProgram {
    public static void sayHelloWorld() {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        sayHelloWorld(); // Call the sayHelloWorld method
    }
}

In this example, the sayHelloWorld method prints “Hello, World!” but doesn’t return anything.

Method with a Primitive Return Type​

Let’s create a method that returns an integer (int).

public class MyProgram {
    public static int add(int a, int b) {
        return a + b; // The method returns the sum of a and b
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int result = add(5, 3); // Call the add method and store the result
        System.out.println("The sum is: " + result);
    }
}

In this example:

1. The add method takes two parameters (int a and int b).
2. It returns the sum of a and b.
3. The main method calls add, stores the returned value in result, and prints it.

Method with a Reference Return Type​

Let’s create a method that returns a String.

public class MyProgram {
    public static String greet(String name) {
        return "Hello, " + name + "!"; // The method returns a greeting message
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        String message = greet("Alice"); // Call the greet method and store the result
        System.out.println(message);
    }
}

In this example:

• The greet method takes one parameter (String name).
• It returns a greeting message.
• The main method calls greet, stores the returned message in message, and prints it.

Why Use Return Types?​

• Reuse Calculations: Methods can perform calculations and return the result to be used elsewhere in the program.
• Reduce Complexity: By breaking down complex operations into smaller methods that return results, your code becomes easier to manage and understand.
• Improve Code Quality: Clear return types make your code more predictable and easier to debug.