Creating and Calling Methods

In this chapter, we will delve into the creation and invocation of methods in C#. Methods are essential building blocks in programming, allowing us to encapsulate code for reuse and better organization. Let's explore the syntax and practical examples to understand how methods work.

Method Syntax

A basic method in C# can be defined using the following syntax:

static: Indicates that the method belongs to the class itself rather than an instance of the class;
returnDataType: Specifies the type of data the method will return. Use void if no data is returned;
MethodName: The name of the method, which should be descriptive of its function;
parameters: Optional inputs to the method, enclosed in parentheses.

A Simple Method

Let's create a simple method called PrintHello that prints a greeting message:

main


              1234
            
static void PrintHello()
{
    Console.WriteLine("Hello, World!");
}

To call this method, simply use:

main


              1
            
PrintHello();

The result of execution such method is following:

main


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using System;

namespace ConsoleApp
{       
    class Program
    {
        static void PrintHello()
        {
            Console.WriteLine("Hello, World!");
        }

        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            PrintHello();
        }
    }
}

Method with a Loop

Consider a method CountToTen that prints numbers from 1 to 10:

main


              1234567
            
static void CountToTen()
{
    for (int i = 1; i <= 10; i++)
    {
        Console.WriteLine(i);
    }
}

Invoke this method using:

main


              1
            
CountToTen();

Method in a Class

Methods are often part of a class. Here's how CountToTen fits into a simple program:

main


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using System;

namespace ConsoleApp
{       
    class Program
    {
        static void CountToTen()
        {
            for (int i = 1; i <= 10; i++)
            {
                Console.WriteLine(i);
            }
        }

        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            CountToTen();
        }
    }
}

In this example, CountToTen is a static method within the Program class. The Main method is the entry point of the program, where CountToTen is called.

Understanding methods is crucial for writing efficient and organized code. As you progress, you'll learn about methods with parameters and return types, enhancing your ability to create dynamic and reusable code blocks.

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Section 6. Chapter 2