Java Methods, Functions, And Libraries
Java methods and functions are essential tools for organizing and reusing code. They allow us to break our programs into smaller, manageable pieces, making our code more readable and maintainable.
Let's start by understanding Java methods and Functions.
Java Methods
In Java, a method is a block of code that performs a specific task and can be called from other parts of our program. It helps avoid code duplication and promotes modular programming. Here's an example of a method:
Functions in Java
Functions in Java are similar to methods but are typically associated with functional programming paradigms. They are self-contained and can return a value. Let's see an example:
Java Libraries
Java libraries are pre-written code modules that provide a wide range of functionality to developers. They offer ready-to-use methods, classes, and utilities that simplify complex tasks. Some popular Java libraries include:
java.util: Provides utility classes for data structures, date/time, and input/output operations.
java.io: Offers classes for handling input and output streams.
java.net: Enables network programming and communication.
java.awt and javax.swing: Provide GUI-related classes for building graphical user interfaces.
[Link: Java Standard Library - https://docs.oracle.com/en/java/javase/]
To use a Java library, we need to import it into our code using the import statement. Once imported, we can leverage the library's classes and methods to enhance our program's functionality. Here's an example: