Question

A method is a collection of statements that performs a specific task. Methods are mainly two types, the void methods and the value returning methods. Please discuss these two types and answer the following:

1.Explain the void method.

2.Explain the value returning method.

3.Compare and contrast (showing similarities and differences) between the two types. For example, show the common features that any method must have. Also, show how method header and body can be different in each type.

4.Discuss different examples that requires the use of the void method.

5.Discuss different examples that requires the use of the value returning method.

6.Argue whether we need both types or one is enough and can be used with all scenarios.

Answer 1

A void method is a method that does not return a value, while a value returning method is a method that returns a value after performing a specific task. Void methods are commonly used for tasks like printing output or updating variables, while value returning methods are used when we need to perform calculations or retrieve information for further processing. Both types have their own purposes and are necessary for handling different scenarios effectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Explain the void method:

A void method is a method that does not return a value. As the name suggests, it does not have a return type. It is used when a method is intended to perform a specific task without returning any value. Void methods are commonly used for tasks like printing output, updating variables, or performing calculations.

2. Explain the value returning method:

A value returning method is a method that returns a value after performing a specific task. It has a return type, which indicates the type of value it will return. Value returning methods are typically used when we need to perform a calculation or retrieve information and use that result for further processing.

3. Compare and contrast the two types:

Both void methods and value returning methods are used to perform specific tasks, but they differ in their output. Void methods do not return a value, while value returning methods do. When it comes to syntax, void methods have the keyword 'void' in their method signature, indicating that they do not return a value. In contrast, value returning methods have a return type specified in their method signature. The method body of a void method can have statements that perform the desired task, while the method body of a value returning method must include a return statement that specifies the value to be returned.

4. Examples of void methods:

- A void method that prints a message on the screen

- A void method that updates the value of a variable

- A void method that performs a calculation but does not return the result

5. Examples of value returning methods:

- A value returning method that calculates the sum of two numbers and returns the result

- A value returning method that retrieves data from a database and returns it

- A value returning method that checks if a number is a prime number and returns a boolean value indicating the result

6. The need for both types:

Both void methods and value returning methods have their own purposes. Void methods are useful for performing actions without the need for returning a value, such as printing output or updating variables. Value returning methods are necessary when we need the result of a calculation or the retrieval of information to be used in further processing. Having both types allows us to handle different scenarios effectively.