CSC161 Intro to CS in Java - Method Definitions

Method (Function) Definitions

Method (Function): a block of code to accomplish a task; used to break up a large task into smaller subtasks. Each method has a name that is used to invoke the method.
Method Definition: the code that defines the behavior of the method; consists of the method heading and the method body.
Method Heading: the first line of a method definition; contains the method name, the return type and the parameter list.
Method Body: the code that provides the actions of the method; the code of the body is enclosed in {}.
Value-Returning Method: a method that returns a value to the calling program. The return value can be incorporated into an expression. A value-returning method must include a return statement that specifies the value that gets returned from the method.
Void Method: a method that does not return a value that the calling program can incorporate directly into an expression.
Method Invocation: a statement that calls a method; the statement that causes control to be transferred to the first statement of the method. The method invocation consists of the method name and argument list. For example: f1(a,b,c)
Parameter List: the list of arguments to the method given as part of the method heading. The parameter list is enclosed in () and is a list of declarations for the parameters to the method. The data type of the parameter must be explicitly specified for each parameter.
Formal Parameter: a variable defined in the method heading.
Actual Parameter: a variable or expression that is used in the method invocation. The value specified in the method invocation will be substituted for the corresponding formal parameter when the method is executed.
Return Value: a value computed on the return statement that represents the value that will be returned to the calling program.
Value Parameter: a parameter whose value will be copied into the called method. The value of this variable in the calling program will not be altered by the actions of the called method. A variable, constant or expression can be used as a value parameter.
Local Identifier: an identifier that is defined within a block (usually a method) and can only be referenced within this block.
Data Flow: the flow of information between the components of a program. Data can be shared by different program modules through the parameter list, return values and global variables and constants.
Control Flow: the sequence in which program statements are executed.
Preconditions: a set of conditions that must be set in order for the method or loop to execute properly.
Postconditions: a set of conditions that are set as a result of the execution of a loop or method.
Interface: the shared boundary between program elements. The method heading and preconditions/postconditions represent the interface between the method and calling program.
Variable Scope: the region of the program where the variable is known (local or global).
Scope Rules: the rules that determine where in the program a variable can be referenced.