What is a Method?!

A method is a block of code that belong to a class, very similar to a function.

Methods in Java can take inputs (parameters), perform actions, and return a value (or void if no value is returned).

Methods that are created by the programmer to perform tasks are called user-defined methods, while other methods can be built in (like System.out.println()).

Types of methods:

There are many different types of methods in Java, but here I’ll only highlight the two most common ones and the ones used by College board.

Instance Methods: Methods that belong to an instance of a class Instance methods require an object of the class to be used. They operate on objects of the class.

  • Can access instance variables and other instance methods within the class
  • Can access static variables and methods

Static Methods: Methods that belong to the class itself trather than any instance of the class. Trhey are used for operations taht do not depend on instance-spefific data.

  • Can only directly access other static variables and methods.

Here’s a quick example!

  • Example of an instance method: addMinion()
    • Adds a minion to the list of a villain
    • Parameters: String minon
    • Example call: gru.addMinion(“Kevin”)
  • Second example of an instance method: Villain()
    • Changes instance data
    • Parameters: string Name, String evilPlan
  • Example of a static method: getVillainCount()
    • Returns the total amount of Villain instances
    • No parameters
    • Example call: System.out.println(“There are “ + Villain.getVillainCount() + “ villains in the world.”);

Popcorn hack:

  • Add another static method to the Villain class
  • Keep it minion themed and fun!
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;

public class Villain {
    // Instance variables
    public String name;
    public String evilPlan;
    public List<String> minions;
    public static int villainCount = 0;

    // Constructor for name, plan, and minions
    public Villain(String name, String evilPlan) {
        this.name = name;
        this.evilPlan = evilPlan;
        this.minions = new ArrayList<>();
        villainCount++;
    }

    // Instance method to add a minion. LOOK HERE!!
    public void addMinion(String minion) {
        minions.add(minion);
        System.out.println(minion + " has been added to " + name + "'s army.");
    }

    // Instance method to describe the villain. 
    public void describeVillain() {
        System.out.println(name + " is planning to: " + evilPlan);
        System.out.println("They have " + minions.size() + " minions.");
    }

    // Static method to get the total count of villains
    public static int getVillainCount() {
        return villainCount;
    }
}

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Villain.villainCount = 0;

        // Create new villains
        Villain gru = new Villain("Gru", "steal the moon!");
        Villain vector = new Villain("Vector", "take over the world with magnitude and direction!");

        System.out.println("=== Adding Minions ===");
        // Create some minions
        gru.addMinion("Kevin");
        gru.addMinion("Stuart");
        gru.addMinion("Bob");

        // Create some minions for Vector
        vector.addMinion("Henchman 1");

        System.out.println();

        // Describe the villains and their plans
        System.out.println("=== Villain Descriptions ===");
        gru.describeVillain();
        System.out.println();
        vector.describeVillain();
        System.out.println();

        // Get the total count of villains
        System.out.println("=== Total Villain Count ===");
        System.out.println("There are " + Villain.getVillainCount() + " villains in the world.");
    }
}

Main.main(null);

=== Adding Minions ===
Kevin has been added to Gru's army.
Stuart has been added to Gru's army.
Bob has been added to Gru's army.
Henchman 1 has been added to Vector's army.

=== Villain Descriptions ===
Gru is planning to: steal the moon!
They have 3 minions.

Vector is planning to: take over the world with magnitude and direction!
They have 1 minions.

=== Total Villain Count ===
There are 2 villains in the world.

Popcorn hack:

Dr. Nefario is busy assigning work for the minions, and he needs your help to organize his group. Your mission is to write and implement a Java classes for each minion which includes their name, gadgets, personality, and more. Get ready to make Dr. Nefario’s life easier and keep the minions organized!