Introduction to Methods in Java

A method in Java is a reusable block of code that performs a specific task. Methods help you organize your code, avoid repetition, and make programs easier to read and maintain. You define a method once, then call it whenever you need its functionality.

Methods are essential for:

• Breaking large programs into smaller, manageable pieces;
• Reusing code without rewriting it;
• Improving readability and maintainability;
• Managing complex logic by dividing tasks into logical steps.

Each method has a name, a set of parentheses (which may include parameters), and a body containing statements. You call a method by using its name followed by parentheses. Methods can also return values after performing their task.

Connection to the main method

You have already encountered the main method in every runnable Java program. The main method is a special type of method that serves as the entry point for your application. When you run a Java program, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) looks for the following method signature:

public static void main(String[] args)

This method tells the JVM where to begin executing your code. While main is a method like any other, it has a unique role:

• It must be declared as public so the JVM can access it;
• It must be static so it can run without creating an instance of the class;
• It always returns void, meaning it does not send any value back;
• It receives an array of String objects called args for command-line arguments.

The main method is your first example of defining and using methods in Java. As you continue, you will learn how to create your own methods to organize code, perform calculations, and solve problems more effectively.