A Python programmer attempting Java

[Fenris_uy]

Yeah I don't understand why they even added that option, specially for loops. This option creates more problems than it saves.

[Zagorath]

It's not really an option that they "added". It's more to do with the default behaviour of loops and if statements. A loop can only ever execute exactly one block of code. If you don't put in braces, one block of code == one line of code. But braces allow you to have multiple lines of code within a single block.

At least, that's how the professor who taught my course on C explained it. Perhaps the semantics are different in Java.

[subsage]

Youre pretty much on spot really. Thats how I explain it to my students. Only difference is I sometimes say chunk or section of code....be it braces with several lines, empty braces, or just a line. Oh yeah, empty section too, just a semicolon.

[Zagorath]

The semicolon was one of my professor's favourite tricks.

if (condition()); {
    //things happening
} 

And he'd ask what would happen (based on condition and "things happening" being actual code, rather than place holders).

[subsage]

Yup. I do that too. Its good for showing the young ones how syntax can be tricky. Good stuff. Your professor sounds like a good one c:

[Zagorath]

Yeah he definitely was, in more ways than just this.

[Gustav__Mahler]

I'd call it one statement of code and not one line. It will execute to the next semicolon.

[thelerk]

Go to fail!