Return Datatypes:
A return type specifies what kind of value a method gives back when it finishes running. If a method doesn't return anything, we use void.
1). Returning an Integer
public int add(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}
2). Returning a String
public String greet(String name) {
return "Hello, " + name;
}
3.
public void printMessage(String message) {
System.out.println(message);
}
the return datatype specifies what type of data a method will return, and it must match the actual returned value in the method body. If the method doesn't return anything, use void.
Example code for Return Datatype:
public class Calculator2 {
// Adds two numbers and returns the result
public int add(int no1, int no2) { // parameters & int retunr datatype
return no1 + no2;
}
// Multiplies two numbers and returns the result
public int multiply(int no1, int no2) {
return no1 * no2;
}
// Divides two numbers, if no2 is not zero
public void division(int no1, int no2) { // void return datatype
if (no2 != 0) {
System.out.println("Division result: " + (no1 / no2));
} else {
System.out.println("Cannot divide by zero.");
}
}
public static void main(String[] args) {
Calculator2 calc = new Calculator2();
int result = calc.add(10, 20);
System.out.println("Addition result: " + result);
int multiplyOutput = calc.multiply(result, 2);
System.out.println("Multiplication result: " + multiplyOutput);
// Create a Calculator3 instance and use the subtractor method
Calculator3 calculator3 = new Calculator3();
int subtractor = calculator3.subtractor(result, 5);
System.out.println("Subtraction result: " + subtractor);
int subtractor1 = calculator3.subtractor(multiplyOutput, 7);
System.out.println("Subtraction by 7 result: " + subtractor1);
calc.division(result, 2); //
}
}
class Calculator3 {
// Subtracts two numbers and returns the result
public int subtractor(int no1, int no2) {
return no1 - no2;
}
}
Key Takeaways
✔ Every method must declare a return type (or void).
✔ Return types enforce type safety (Java checks compatibility).
✔ void methods are for actions, not computations.
✔ Always return the correct data type (or face compiler errors).
Final Thought
Understanding return types is crucial for writing correct and reusable Java methods. Whether returning a value or performing an action, always choose the appropriate type to make your code clear and reliable.
Note: The formatting and structure were optimized for clarity with AI assistance.
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