8: The Unsung Heroes of Code, Methods

Hey there, KISJ 11th graders (or 12th)! 🙌 So, we've had our fair share of spicy topics. Remember how that last fire drill felt like a never-ending loop with no exit condition? Yeah, we all wished for a 'break' statement there. Well, now let’s embark on a journey through the world of Java methods. They’re like those legendary cram sessions we have the night before the big test. Efficient, (hopefully) organized, and crucial!

Why Java Methods are the Real MVPs

1. Modularity: Methods are like breaking down your math homework problems. Sure, you could try to tackle that huge problem all at once, but why not break it down step-by-step? Trust me, it's easier, and your future self will thank you.

2. Readability: Let’s be real. We’ve all tried reading someone's handwritten notes and wondered if it’s some ancient language. Methods? They're like that one classmate's notes that are so clean, you’d think they used a ruler for every line. It just makes sense!

3. Organization: Think of methods like sorting your music playlist. You could put everything into one (and risk getting a ballad in the middle of your workout), or you could group them into pop, ballads, and rap breaks. The structure is just like that!

4. Reduction of Redundancy: Ever felt like every day is a repetition of the last (looking at you, quarantine)? Methods are here to say, “Let's NOT do that with our code.” The DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle is the golden rule, and methods are its loyal guardian.

Methods: Because Who Likes Déjà vu?

Methods help us avoid the “Didn't I just write this?” feeling. Organizing your code with methods is like organizing your Google Drive—you know exactly where your scary scary U.S. history documents are.

Documenting Methods: When Memory Fails, Notes Prevail

Remember the time you thought you’d remember what your friend whispered during advisory, but forgot by lunchtime? Documentation is the lifesaver here!

The Javadoc Magic

Javadoc is like that genius friend who takes notes in every class and then turns them into beautiful, readable summaries (which is me 🤓). And just like there are rules for passing notes without getting caught, there are rules for Javadoc:

Class Header: A Quick Intro

/**
 * Think of this as the “Hi, my name is...” sticker at a school event.
 *
 * @author Jay Suh (Because credits!)
 * @version 1.0 (The 'How many times have I tried to explain this' counter)
 */

Method Header: The Blueprint

/**
 * Because how else would you know that the method doesn't divide by zero?
 *
 * @param dividend The numerator of our fraction.
 * @param divisor The denominator. Don't make this zero. Just don't.
 * @return The answer, if we didn't break math.
 * @throws ArithmeticException if you dared to make divisor 0.
 */

Pre- and Post-Conditions: Like Class Expectations, but for Code

• Preconditions: The rules before you begin. Like how we must be awake (or at least look awake) during Mr. Mangat’s class.
• Postconditions: What you should expect after. Like, knowledge . . .  hopefully.

And a quick PSA from Mr. Mangat: for the AP CSA exam, understanding these conditions is like remembering to bring your calculator to the math exam. Essential!

In conclusion, methods are the unsung heroes of our code world, ensuring everything runs as smoothly as the school Wi-Fi on a good day (hey, we can dream). May your methods always be efficient and your coffee strong! 🚀📝