- Local variable:
- A local variable is used to store information that is relevant for the duration of the execution of one method
- A local variable will
exists as
long as the method in which they have been been
created is
still running
As soon as the method terminates (i.e., returns), all the local variables defined inside the method are destroyed.
- How to the define
(and recognize)
a local variable:
- A local variable is
defined inside the
body of
a method
(I.e., a local variable is defined between the opening and closing braces of a method)
Example:
public class MyProgram { public static void main(String[] args) { // Body of method "main" double r; // *** Local variable !!! r = MyProgran.min( 1.0, 4.0 ); System.out.println(r); r = MyProgram.min( 3.7, -2.9 ); System.out.println(r); r = MyProgram.min( -9.9, 3.8 ); System.out.println(r); } }
public class ToolBox { public static double min ( double a, double b ) { // Body of method "min" double m = 0; // *** Local variable !!! if ( a < b ) { m = a; // a is the smaller value } else { m = b; // b is the smaller value } return(m); } }
Next, we study the life time and the scoping rules for local variables
- A local variable is
defined inside the
body of
a method