Question

Fill in the blanks in each of the following statements: a) A method is invoked with a(n)_______ b) \(A\) variable known only within the method in which it is declared is called a(n) ________ c) The _____ statement in a called method can be used to pass the value of an expression back to the calling method. The keyword _____ indicates that a method does not return a value. e) Data can be added or removed only from the ______ of a stack. f) Stacks are known as ______ data structures - the last item pushed (inserted) on the stack is the first item popped (removed) from the stack. g) The three ways to return control from a calfed method to a caller are ______ . _____ and _____ h) An object of class_____ produces random numbers. 190 i) The program execution stack contains the memory for local variables on each invocation of a method during a program's execution. This data, stored as a portion of the prosogram execution stack, is known as the _____ or _____ of the method call. j) If there are more method calls than can be stored on the program execution stack, an error known as a(n)_____ Occurs. k) The ______ of a declaration is the portion of a program that can refer to the entity in the declaration by name. l) In Java, it is possible to have several methods with the same name that each operate on different types or numbers of arguments. This feature is called method ._______ m) The program execution stack is also referred to as the ________ stack.

Short answer

Arguments, local variable, return/void, top, LIFO, return/throw/exit, Random, activation record/stack frame, stack overflow, scope, overloading, call stack.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Method Invocation

The answer to part (a) is "argument." A method is invoked with an argument, which is the actual value passed to the method's parameter during a call.

Local Variable Scope

The answer to part (b) is "local variable." A variable known only within the method in which it is declared is called a local variable.

Returning Values from Methods

The answer to part (c) is "return." The return statement in a called method can be used to pass the value of an expression back to the calling method.

Indicating No Return Value

The keyword to answer the second part of part (c) is "void." The keyword void indicates that a method does not return a value.

Stack Operations

The answer to part (e) is "top." Data can be added or removed only from the top of a stack.

LIFO Structure of Stacks

The answer to part (f) is "LIFO (Last In, First Out)." Stacks are known as LIFO data structures - the last item pushed (inserted) on the stack is the first item popped (removed) from the stack.

Control Return Mechanisms

The answer to part (g) includes "return," "throw," and "exit." The three ways to return control from a called method to a caller are return, throw, and exit.

Random Number Generation

The answer to part (h) is "Random." An object of class Random produces random numbers.

Stack Information

The answer to part (i) includes "activation record" and "stack frame." This data is stored as a portion of the program execution stack and is known as the activation record or stack frame of the method call.

Stack Overflow Error

The answer to part (j) is "stack overflow." If there are more method calls than can be stored on the program execution stack, a stack overflow error occurs.

Declaration Scope

The answer to part (k) is "scope." The scope of a declaration is the portion of a program that can refer to the entity in the declaration by name.

Method Overloading

The answer to part (l) is "overloading." In Java, having several methods with the same name that operate on different types or numbers of arguments is called method overloading.

Alternative Name for Execution Stack

The answer to part (m) is "call." The program execution stack is also referred to as the call stack.

Key concepts

Method Invocation

In Java programming, method invocation is the process of calling a method from another part of a program, either from within the same class or a different class. When a method is called, execution control is transferred from the calling method to the called method. This is done by the program using a value known as an 'argument.' The argument is the actual input passed into the method, matching with the defined parameters in the method signature. This process allows the called method to perform its task using provided data.

For instance, if you have a method that adds two numbers, you might call it with the statement like `add(5, 3);` where `5` and `3` are arguments. Properly managing method invocations is crucial for implementing modular, reusable, and maintainable code.

Local Variables

Local variables in Java are confined to the method in which they are declared. They are specific to the chunk of code running inside a method. Such variables can be initialized whenever the method is called, and they cease to exist once the method execution is finished.

Local variables are beneficial as they help manage memory efficiently, reduce errors by isolating processes, and enhance security by limiting variable access to within method boundaries. For example, consider a method computing the sum of two numbers using variables `int a` and `int b`. Outside this method, `a` and `b` cease to exist, which means the rest of the program cannot inadvertently change these values.

Stack Operations

The stack in computing is a data structure that manages data in a "Last In, First Out" (LIFO) manner. This means that the last item added to the stack is the first one to be removed. In Java, stack operations are pivotal for method call management among other functions. Operations include pushing data onto the top of the stack (insertion) and popping data off the top (removal).

When a method is invoked, a new 'stack frame' gets added to the stack, holding local variables and other details. Once the method finishes executing, this stack frame is removed in a process called 'unwind'ing or popping off the stack. This is essential for understanding recursion and how programming handles complex sequences of operations smoothly.

Method Overloading

Method overloading in Java refers to the ability to define multiple methods within the same class with the same name but different parameters. This ability allows developers to call the same method in different contexts, according to the type or number of arguments. Method overloading increases code readability and reduces the need for multiple method names performing similar tasks.

For instance, a simple example is the `print` method, which can print strings, integers, floats, etc., based on how the method is overloaded in Java. Overloaded methods are differentiated by their parameter lists - the number and type of parameters must differ. This feature is a powerful tool for simplifying code and enhancing user convenience by using a single method name for similar operations.