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Thread: Java basics

  1. #1
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    Smile Java basics

    whats the difference?
     </** Defines the student's forename. */
      private String forename = null;
     
      /** Defines the student's surname. */
      private String surname  = null;
     
      /** Defines the student's age in (whole) years. */
      private int    age      = 0;
     
     **** or***** 
     
    /** Defines the student's forename. */
      private String forename;
     
      /** Defines the student's surname. */
      private String surname ;
     
      /** Defines the student's age in (whole) years. */
      private int  age  ;>


  2. #2
    Super Moderator Norm's Avatar
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    Default Re: Java basics

    One assigns a value to a variable when it is defined.
    The other does not and lets the compiler give a default value to the variable.
    If you don't understand my answer, don't ignore it, ask a question.

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    Default Re: Java basics

    Thanks

  4. #4

    Default Re: Java basics

    integers are assigned 0 value by default, and objects (String is one of) are assigned null by default.
    So there is no difference if you write:

    int age = 0;

    and

    int age;

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    Default Re: Java basics

    Quote Originally Posted by nambill View Post
    integers are assigned 0 value by default, and objects (String is one of) are assigned null by default.
    So there is no difference if you write:

    int age = 0;

    and

    int age;
    so is it a better style of coding

  6. #6
    Super Moderator Norm's Avatar
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    Default Re: Java basics

    It depends on if the variable is at the class level or inside of a method. Local variables must be given an initial value.
    If you don't understand my answer, don't ignore it, ask a question.

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