Return values in Java

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Introduction

Return values let a method send back a result after it finishes. This helps you reuse results in your program.

When you want a method to calculate and give back a number, like adding two numbers.

When you need to get a true or false answer from a method, like checking if a user is logged in.

When you want to get a text message or data from a method, like getting a user's name.

When you want to break a big task into smaller parts that return results to use later.

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Syntax

Java

returnType methodName(parameters) {
    // code
    return value;
}

The returnType is the type of value the method sends back, like int or String.

The return keyword sends the value back and ends the method.

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Examples

line_end_arrow_notchThis method adds two numbers and returns the sum as an int.

Java

int add(int a, int b) {
    return a + b;
}

line_end_arrow_notchThis method checks if a number is even and returns true or false.

Java

boolean isEven(int number) {
    return number % 2 == 0;
}

line_end_arrow_notchThis method returns a greeting message using the given name.

Java

String greet(String name) {
    return "Hello, " + name + "!";
}

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Sample Program

This program defines a method multiply that returns the product of two numbers. The main method calls it and prints the result.

Java

public class ReturnExample {
    public static int multiply(int x, int y) {
        return x * y;
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int result = multiply(4, 5);
        System.out.println("4 times 5 is " + result);
    }
}

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Important Notes

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Every method with a return type other than void must return a value of that type.

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Once return runs, the method stops immediately.

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Methods with void do not return a value and cannot use return with a value.

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Summary

Return values let methods send back results to use elsewhere.

Use the return keyword followed by the value to send it back.

The method's return type must match the type of the returned value.