Thread: Beginner Java question with Methods

I'm doing a first year computer science course (I'm totally new to this) and we're currently on methods, I have to create two methods and a main program to run them.

I have the two methods created as posted below (I believe they are fine but feel free to point out if theyre not!) but I cannot seem to understand how to create a program to "test" them? since I can't reference any of the variables I used in the method outside of it! notes / my textbook don't seem to help

public static double smallest(double x, double y, double z) {
		double smallest = 0;
		double x;
		double y;
		double z;
		if (x < y && x < z) {
			x = smallest;
		}
		else if (y < x && y < x) {
			y = smallest;
		}
		else if (z < y && z < x) {
			z = smallest;
                return smallest;
 
}
 
 
 
	}

public static double Average(double x, double y, double z) {
	double sum = x + y + z;
	double average = sum / 3;
return average;

Any help on how to call the methods in I guess a main method to run them would be great!

Welcome to the forum! Thanks for taking the time to learn how to post code correctly. If you haven't already, please read this topic other useful info for newcomers.

Do the methods above and the main program to run have to be in separate classes?

If no (the easier of the two): Put the two methods above and a main() method in one class. Call the methods above from the main() method. Pass values to the methods as needed. Do something with the values returned by the methods.

If yes: Put the methods above in a class by themselves. Remove 'static' from their signatures. Create another class, call it anything you want, maybe "TestMethods," and write a main method that creates an instance of the first class and then calls the methods on that instance. From this point, it's very much like the "no" option above.

You'll have problems with either approach, errors, and things to learn as you go, so come back with your progress and new questions as they occur.

@fireeyes2l2: Welcome to the forum! Please read and respect the Forum's policy on spoon feeding.

You're on the right track, just back off the details a bit. Lead in a positive direction that allows the OP to discover/learn along the way.

After I create the methods properly what is it I put in exactly to call/execute them in the main program?

Write the code, and then come back to post your code with the questions you have about what to do next. For the parts you don't know how to do, either try something, or just leave a comment that says what you'd like to do.

This material is covered in your textbook and/or class notes. It appears you're not looking very hard.

YOu could also go to YouTube and watch vids on your topic.. this case "Calling methods" and "executing programs"...

Funny about the spoon feeding policy. I guess it won't happen again. I do a little bit of it, to help start a path for someone. I was not going to continue replaying with the correct code.

And what GregBrannon is stating is true.. Everything is in your textbook or notes or you, since you obvisouly have the internet, you can search practically everywhere. Try out code that you have so far. Use some logic and trial and error.. Come back later with your code if you are still having problems. But honestly, looking forward in your notes/book is not a bad thing.

Thanks for the info guys, sorry if its too many questions, I'm just really new to this, to be honest I never thought of Youtube!

Ill give it a go.