To write a method in Java, follow these key steps:

Basic Structure of a Java Method

A method in Java is a block of code that performs a specific task. It consists of:

• Access modifier (optional): Defines the visibility of the method (e.g., public, private).
• Return type : The data type of the value the method returns. Use void if it returns nothing.
• Method name : A meaningful identifier for the method.
• Parameter list : Zero or more parameters enclosed in parentheses (). Parameters are optional.
• Method body : Code enclosed in curly braces {} that defines what the method does.

Syntax

java

modifier returnType methodName(parameterList) {
    // method body
    // optional return statement if returnType is not void
}

Example: Writing a Simple Method

java

public class Main {

    // Method with no return value and no parameters
    public static void myMethod() {
        System.out.println("I just got executed!");
    }

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

This method myMethod() prints a message when called

Example: Method with Parameters and Return Value

java

public class Main {

    // Method that takes two integers and returns their sum
    public int addNumbers(int a, int b) {
        int sum = a + b;
        return sum;
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Main obj = new Main(); // create an object to call the method
        int result = obj.addNumbers(25, 15);
        System.out.println("Sum is: " + result);
    }
}

Here, addNumbers takes two parameters and returns their sum

Notes

• If a method returns a value, use the return keyword to return a value matching the declared return type.
• If the method does not return a value, declare it as void and omit the return statement.
• Methods must be declared inside a class.
• To call a non-static method, create an object of the class first.
• Static methods can be called directly using the class name or from within other static methods

This is the fundamental way to write and use methods in Java.