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Parameters

Definition

Parameters are variables declared in a method or function that receive values when the method is called. They allow data to be passed into a method, enabling it to perform actions or calculations based on those values.

Analogy

Think of parameters as ingredients you provide to a recipe. When you follow a recipe and add specific ingredients, you're essentially passing those ingredients as parameters to the cooking process. The recipe (method) uses the provided ingredients (parameters) to create a delicious dish.

Related terms

Arguments: Arguments are actual values passed into a method when it is called. They correspond to the parameters defined in the method's declaration.

Return type: The return type specifies the type of value that a method will return after its execution. Parameters help determine what inputs are needed for the method, while return types define what output can be expected.

Method signature: A method signature consists of its name and parameter list. It uniquely identifies a specific method within a class and helps differentiate it from other methods with similar names but different parameters.