Return Values

So far, we've used void methods that perform an action but don't give anything back. If you want a method to calculate something and return the result, you use a return value.

The return Keyword

Instead of void, you replace it with the data type of the value you want to return (e.g., int, String, double).

Inside the method, use the return keyword to send the value back.

static int calculateSum(int x, int y) {
    return x + y; // Returns an integer
}

public static void main(String[] args) {
    int result = calculateSum(5, 3);
    System.out.println(result); // Outputs 8
}

Using the Return Value

When a method returns a value, you can:

• Store it in a variable: int x = myMethod();
• Use it directly in an expression: if (myMethod() > 10) ...
• Print it directly: System.out.println(myMethod());

Click Run to execute your code

Returning Booleans (for Checks)

This is very common for validation methods.

static boolean isEven(int number) {
    if (number % 2 == 0) {
        return true;
    } else {
        return false;
    }
}

Summary