Return Methods




A return method is a method that returns a value. It may perform some function previously, but it must always return a value for all logical paths.

Examples:


Note:  You must always return a value (no matter what).
       In the example below, it would be best to have a
       precondition that states that x2!=x1.
	   
public double calculateSlope(int x1, int y1, int x2, int y2)
{
    if (x1 != x2)
    {
        return(double)(y2-y1)/(x2-x1);
    }
    else
    {
        return 0;
    }
}


// abs function (method)
// There is already a function in the Math library that does this,
// so this is unnecessary except to show you how to write a return method.
// In fact, the abs method in the Math library is overloaded, so you can 
// call it with a double, float, int, or long parameter.
// Math.abs()

public int abs(int x)
{
    if (x < 0)
    {
        return -1*x;
    }
    else
    {
        return x;
    }
}