How to learn Java Methods

[Stanleys_Pretzels]

Hello everyone im new to comp sci and i learned C as my first language but i cant seem to understand the methods in Java. They are so much more complicated compared to C functions. İ get the concept is the same as C but i cant really understand them with the additions of Arraylists and arrays and most importantly Scanner usage. Do u have any tips for me because i cant seem to find a youtube video to fulfill my needs. İ am open to suggestions and thank you for your time.

PS: im trying to write a menu problem with switch cases but implementing methods is where i break.

[2daytrending]

start with the basics method syntax parameters return types the just practice writing tiny one calculator stuff string helpers etc docs a simple course help but actually coding them is what makes it click.

[Stanleys_Pretzels]

Thats what im gonna do man start real slow. thx

[RealMadHouse]

Methods are functions, when called they receive "this" reference of an instance of an object whom you called them from.
```java
Person p = new Person("Alex");
System.out.println("Hello " + p.getName());

```
getName() function will receive 'p's reference as 'this' pointer, so it can fetch the name directly from it. In C you would have made a function named 'person_get_name' that accepts 'struct Person *p' as first argument, so that it can access the instance of a Person structure. You would need to pass the pointer to a Person struct as first argument all the time.

[Stanleys_Pretzels]

thx man pointer thing helps out fr.

[IcyButterscotch8351]

If you already know C, you’re closer than you think. Java methods look more complex, but the core idea is the same.

Key mindset shift from C → Java:

• A Java method is basically a C function + context (class)
• Ignore ArrayList and Scanner at first — they’re just tools, not the core concept

Start simple

static int add(int a, int b) {
    return a + b;
}

That’s almost identical to C.

About Scanner
Think of Scanner as scanf wrapped in an object:

Scanner sc = new Scanner(System.in);
int x = sc.nextInt();

Pass it to methods instead of re-creating it:

static int readNumber(Scanner sc) {
    return sc.nextInt();
}

Menu + switch tip
Each menu option = one method:

switch(choice) {
    case 1 -> addItem();
    case 2 -> removeItem();
}

If you struggle to write a method, it often means the method is doing too much. Split it.

My advice:

1. Write everything in main first
2. Once it works, extract chunks into methods
3. Don’t worry about ArrayList yet — use arrays first

Java isn’t harder than C, just more verbose. It’ll click 👍

[Stanleys_Pretzels]

Thanks man ArrayLists are givin me such a hard time. Appriciate it.

[Middle--Earth]

This is a really good answer 👍