What are the types of methods in Java?
In Java, methods can be categorized into the following types:
- Static methods, which are methods modified by the static keyword, belong to a class rather than an instance of a class. They can be directly called using the class name without the need for object instantiation. Static methods have access to other static member variables and methods, but not to non-static member variables and methods.
- Instance methods, which are methods not marked with the static keyword, belong to class instances and must be accessed through instantiated objects. They have access to instance variables and methods of the class.
- Constructor: A special method called when creating an object. It has the same name as the class, no return type, and is automatically called when the object is created to initialize the object’s member variables.
- Abstract methods are methods without a body, declared in an abstract class or interface, and must be implemented by subclasses or implementing classes.
- Synchronized methods: Methods that are designated with the synchronized keyword are called synchronized methods. These methods can only be executed by one thread at a time, ensuring thread safety.
- Native Methods: A method that is decorated with the native keyword is referred to as a native method. These methods are implemented by calling code written in a native language, such as C or C++, and are typically used for interacting with the operating system or low-level hardware.