Java Coding standards for method

Java coding standards for methods ensure that the code is readable, maintainable, and consistent across different projects and teams. Here are some key guidelines:

Method Naming

1. Use camelCase:

• Method names should start with a lowercase letter and use camelCase for subsequent words.

Example:

‘calculateTotalPrice()’, ‘getUserName()’

2. Be Descriptive:

• Choose method names that clearly describe the method’s purpose or action.

Example:

‘sendEmailNotification()’, ‘findMaxValue()’

Method Structure

1. Method Declaration:

• Follow a standard order for method modifiers.

Order:

‘public’, ‘protected’, ‘private’, ‘abstract’, ‘static’, ‘final’, ‘synchronized’, ‘native’

Example:

public static final void ‘exampleMethod()’

2. Parameter List:

• If there are multiple parameters, consider placing each on a new line for readability, especially if they are long or have descriptive names.

Example:

public void processOrder(String orderId, int quantity, double price, boolean isExpressDelivery) {
    // method body
}

Method Length

1. Keep Methods Short:

• Aim for methods to perform a single task and keep them concise. If a method exceeds about 20-30 lines, consider refactoring to split it into smaller methods.

Method Comments and Documentation

1. Javadoc Comments:

• Use Javadoc comments to describe the purpose, parameters, return values, and exceptions of the method.

Example:

/**
 * Calculates the total price of the items.
 *
 * @param pricePerItem the price of a single item
 * @param quantity the number of items
 * @return the total price of the items
 */
public double calculateTotalPrice(double pricePerItem, int quantity) {
    return pricePerItem * quantity;
}

2. Inline Comments:

• Use inline comments sparingly to explain complex logic within the method.

Example:

public void processTransaction() {
    // Validate the transaction details
    if (isValidTransaction()) {
        // Process the payment
        processPayment();
    } else {
        // Log the error and notify the user
        logError();
        notifyUser();
    }
}

Method Parameters and Return Types

1. Parameter Naming:

• Use descriptive names for parameters to indicate their purpose.

Example:

‘public void setAge(int userAge)’

2. Return Types:

• Use meaningful return types and avoid using ‘void’ unless the method performs an action without returning a value.

Example:

public int getAge() {
    return age;
}

Method Overloading

1. Consistent Naming:

• When overloading methods, use consistent naming and clearly differentiate parameters.

Example

public void print(String message) {
    System.out.println(message);
}

public void print(int number) {
    System.out.println(number);
}

Exception Handling

1. Checked Exceptions:

• Declare checked exceptions using the ‘throws’ keyword and document them in Javadoc comments.

Example:

/**
 * Reads data from a file.
 *
 * @param fileName the name of the file to read
 * @throws IOException if an I/O error occurs
 */
public void readFile(String fileName) throws IOException {
    // method body
}

2. Exception Logging:

• Log exceptions appropriately and provide meaningful messages.

Example

public void processFile(String fileName) {
    try {
        readFile(fileName);
    } catch (IOException e) {
        logger.error("Error reading file: " + fileName, e);
    }
}

By following these Java coding standards for methods, you can ensure that your code is well-organized, easy to understand, and maintainable.

Homepage

Readmore