Functions & Procedures (static methods)

Functions & procedures are an abstraction of computational process.
A function returns some value (can be of primitive or reference type). It correspond to the mathematical concept of functions. E.g., Math.max, Math.sin.
A procedure returns no value but causes some useful side effects, e.g. System.out.println.
One purpose of a class is as a module for collecting together functions, procedures, and constants. E.g., the Math class.
Naming convention. Functions and procedures are conventionally named exactly like variables. Constants are named in all caps, with underscores separating the individual words.

Functions (continued)

We have used functions, procedures, and constants from various classes written by other people, e.g. StdIn, StdDraw, StdAudio. We’ll now learn how to write such functions, procedures, and constants ourselves.
Functions & procedures as control flow construct.
syntax for writting functions
- parameter list
- arguments
- parameter passing by value
- two kinds of return statement
overloaded functions