Java Methods & Parameters Exam

What is a method in Java?

• A variable that stores data

• A reusable block of code that performs a specific task, always associated with a class

• A loop that repeats code

• A condition that checks for true or false

Answer explanation

A method in Java is defined as a reusable block of code that performs a specific task and is always associated with a class, making it essential for organizing and executing code efficiently.

What does the static keyword indicate in a method declaration?

• The method can only be called once

• The method belongs to the class itself, not to a specific object

• The method must return a value

• The method is private and cannot be accessed outside the class

Answer explanation

The static keyword indicates that the method belongs to the class itself, not to any specific instance of the class. This means it can be called without creating an object of the class.

Which return type should be used for a method that does not return any value?

• int

• void

• String

• boolean

Answer explanation

The correct return type for a method that does not return any value is 'void'. This indicates that the method performs an action but does not provide any output, unlike 'int', 'String', or 'boolean' which all return specific values.

Which method name follows Java naming conventions?

• CalculateTotal()

• calculateTotal()

• calculate_total()

• CALCULATETOTAL()

Answer explanation

The method name 'calculateTotal()' follows Java naming conventions, which recommend using camelCase for method names. The other options either use incorrect casing or formatting.

What happens if you forget the parentheses () in a method declaration?

• The method runs normally but slower

• You get a compilation error

• The method automatically adds them

• The method becomes a variable

Answer explanation

Forgetting the parentheses in a method declaration results in a compilation error. The syntax requires parentheses to define the method's parameters, and omitting them violates the language's rules.

In the tutorial's coffee-making analogy, what is a method compared to?

• A calculator button

• A coffee recipe that can be reused

• A full program

• A data storage unit

Answer explanation

In the coffee-making analogy, a method is like a reusable coffee recipe. Just as a recipe can be followed multiple times to make coffee, a method can be called multiple times in programming to perform a specific task.

Which access modifier allows a method to be accessed from anywhere?

• private

• public

• protected

• static

Answer explanation

The 'public' access modifier allows a method to be accessed from anywhere in the program, making it the most accessible option. In contrast, 'private' restricts access to the defining class, and 'protected' limits it to subclasses.

How are methods with no parameters declared?

• Without parentheses

• With empty parentheses, like methodName()

• With a default parameter list

• With a return type only

Answer explanation

Methods with no parameters are declared with empty parentheses, like methodName(). This clearly indicates that the method does not take any arguments, distinguishing it from methods that may have parameters.

What is a common mistake when creating methods, as highlighted in the tutorial?

• Using descriptive names

• Forgetting to include the class container

• Placing methods inside a class

• Using camelCase for naming

Answer explanation

A common mistake when creating methods is forgetting to include the class container. This is crucial as methods need to be defined within a class to function properly in object-oriented programming.

In a method declaration, what does the access modifier control?

• The return type of the method

• Who can access the method

• The number of parameters the method can have

• Whether the method is static or not

Answer explanation

The access modifier in a method declaration determines who can access the method, such as public, private, or protected. This is crucial for encapsulation in object-oriented programming.