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IDE

From JShell to IDE

IDE Transition

  • Switching from JShell to IDE.
  • IDE: Easiest, least error-prone for Java.
  • Benefits: productivity, code completion, debugging, version control, teamwork.

Introduction to IntelliJ IDEA

  • IntelliJ IDEA: Java IDE developed by JetBrains.
  • Available in free and open-source community edition.

Choosing the IDE

  • For newcomers, recommended to use IntelliJ for course consistency.
  • If comfortable, use preferred IDE.

Transferable Skills

  • Skills from IntelliJ applicable to other IDEs.
  • Similar configuration, code execution processes.

Installing IntelliJ

  • Separate installation videos for Windows, Mac, Linux.
  • Watch the video relevant to your OS.

Configuring IntelliJ

  • Configuration video covers all three operating systems.
  • Watch this video post IntelliJ installation.

Hello World

                
public class HelloWorld
{
    public static void main(Strings args[])
    {
        System.out.print("Hello World");
    }
}
                
            

Java Keywords Highlighting

  • Java keywords like 'public' and 'class' appear in bold.
  • 'public' serves as an access modifier for code elements.
  • 'class' keyword is fundamental for defining classes.

Understanding 'public' Access Modifier

  • 'public' access modifier controls accessibility of code.
  • Defines where and how code can be accessed.
  • 'public' is often used for class declarations.
  • Deeper dive into access modifiers later in the course.

Defining a Class with 'class' Keyword

  • 'class' keyword marks the beginning of a class definition.
  • Class name follows the 'class' keyword (e.g., 'FirstClass').
  • Curly braces delimit the class's code block.
  • Optional access modifier can precede the 'class' keyword.

Main Method and Java Basics

  • The 'public static void main' line marks the main method, which serves as the entry point for a Java program.
  • Main method contains the initial code to execute when the program runs.
  • Methods are a collection of one or more statements performing a specific operation.

Method Introduction

  • A method is a fundamental concept in Java, representing a block of code with a specific purpose.
  • The 'main' method is a special method Java searches for to start program execution.
  • Understanding methods is key to structuring and organizing code for various tasks.

Method Keywords

  • 'public': Access modifier allowing code outside the method to use it.
  • 'static': Specifies that a method belongs to a class, not an instance of the class.
  • 'void': Indicates that a method does not return any value upon completion.

Learning Progression

  • Java concepts introduced progressively to establish a strong foundation.
  • Building on mastered basics allows for easier understanding of advanced concepts.
  • Minor issues like capitalization can lead to errors, emphasizing attention to detail.

Method Declaration

  • Method declaration consists of method name, parameters, and a code block.
  • The 'main' method must be typed accurately for Java to recognize it as the entry point.
  • Parameters are optional and allow information to be passed into a method.

Understanding Method Body

  • Curly braces define code blocks, grouping related statements together.
  • The method body is where the statements within the method are located.
  • Code blocks help manage code organization and logical flow.
                    
public class Example {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Statements within the method body
        System.out.println("Hello, "); // This will be printed in one line
        System.out.print("Tim");
    }
}
                        
                    

if-then statement

If-Then Statement and Conditional Logic

Conditional logic in Java involves making decisions based on certain conditions. The if-then statement is the most basic control flow statement, allowing execution of a code block only if a specific condition evaluates to true.

  • If-Then Statement: It consists of an 'if' keyword followed by a condition in parentheses.
  • Conditional Logic: Conditional logic involves using specific Java statements to check conditions and execute code blocks based on whether the condition is true or false.
                    
if (isAlien == false) {
    System.out.println("It is not an alien!");
}
                    
            

Explanation:

  • The if statement checks whether the variable 'isAlien' is equal to false.
  • If the condition evaluates to true, the code block within the curly braces is executed.
  • The code block contains a print statement that displays "It is not an alien!".

Using Conditional Operators

Conditional operators are used to compare values and determine whether conditions are met.

  • Equality Operator (==): Compares two values to check if they are equal.
  • Assignment Operator (=): Assigns a value to a variable.
                    
isAlien = false;       // Assigning the value 'false' to the variable 'isAlien'
if (isAlien == false)  // Checking if 'isAlien' is equal to 'false'
    System.out.println("It is not an alien!");
                
            

Applying the If-Then Statement

The placement of semicolons and the use of code blocks impact the behavior of the if-then statement.

  • Semicolon and If Statement: Adding a semicolon after the if statement can break the intended conditional logic and lead to unexpected behavior.
  • Code Blocks: Enclosing statements within code blocks (curly braces) ensures that all the enclosed statements are executed based on the condition's evaluation.
                    
if (isAlien == false);  // Incorrect use of semicolon
    System.out.println("It is not an alien!");
                
            

Explanation:

  • Adding a semicolon after the if statement terminates the condition prematurely.
  • The subsequent print statement is not subject to the if condition and always executes.

Utilizing Code Blocks

Code blocks enhance the clarity and functionality of conditional statements.

  • Code Blocks: Curly braces define a code block, a group of statements executed together.
  • Readability: Code blocks make it clear which statements are associated with the if condition.
  • Best Practice: Always use code blocks, even for a single statement, for better code maintenance and readability.

            if (isAlien == false) {
                System.out.println("It is not an alien!");
                System.out.println("Welcome, Earthling!");
            }
                

Explanation:

  • The code block contains two print statements.
  • Both statements are executed if the 'isAlien' condition evaluates to true.

Application in Java Programs

The if-then statement is a fundamental building block in Java programming for making decisions based on conditions.

                    
if (isAlien == false) {
    System.out.println("It is not an alien!");
    System.out.println("Welcome, Earthling!");
} else {
    System.out.println("It is an alien!");
    System.out.println("Greetings, Extraterrestrial!");
}
                
            

Logical AND operator

Logical AND Operator

  • Introduced the logical AND operator (&&)
  • Requires both operands to be true for the entire expression to be true
                    
int topScore = 80;
int secondTopScore = 81;
if (topScore > secondTopScore && topScore < 100) {
    System.out.println("Greater then second top score and less than 100")
}
                
            

Logical Operators

  • Used the "not equal to" operator (!=) to compare values
  • Used the "greater than" operator (>) to check if a value is greater
  • Used the "greater than or equal to" operator (>=)
  • Used the "less than" operator (<) to check if a value is smaller
  • Used the "less than or equal to" operator (<=)
                    
if (topScore != 100) {
    // Code block executed
}

if (topScore > 100) {
    // Code block executed
}

if (topScore >= 100) {
    // Code block executed
}

if (topScore < 100) {
    // Code block executed
}

if (topScore <= 100) {
    // Code block executed
}
                
            

Operator Precedence

Operator precedence determines the order in which operators are evaluated within an expression.

Operators with higher precedence are evaluated before those with lower precedence.

Examples of common operator precedence:

  • Parentheses () have the highest precedence and can be used to enforce specific evaluation orders.
  • Exponentiation **
  • Multiplication *, Division /, Modulus %
  • Addition +, Subtraction -
  • Comparison operators: <, >, <=, >=, ==, !=
  • Logical AND &&
  • Logical OR ||
  • Assignment operators: =, +=, -=, etc. have the lowest precedence.

Using parentheses can modify precedence and ensure desired evaluation order.

Understanding operator precedence is essential for writing accurate expressions.

Logical OR Operator

In the previous video, we introduced the logical AND operator (&&), requiring both conditions to be true.

Now, let's delve into the logical OR operator (||), which works similarly, but requires at least one condition to be true.

Example:

                    
if (condition1 || condition2) {
    // Code block executed if either condition is true
}
                
            

Bitwise operators & and | exist, but they are used less frequently.

Let's put the logical OR operator into action with a new code example.

Logical OR Operator Example

Here's an example demonstrating the logical OR operator.

Given topScore is 80, and secondTopScore is 81:

                    
if (topScore > 90 || secondTopScore <= 90) {
    // Code block executed if either condition is true
}
                
            

The left condition (topScore > 90) is false.

The right condition (secondTopScore <= 90) is true.

Since at least one condition is true, the code block will be executed.

Let's conclude this topic and preview what's coming next.

Assignment Operator VS Equals to Operator

Topic: Comparing to a Boolean

Consider comparing a variable to a boolean value.

                    
boolean isCar = false;
if (isCar = true) { // Incorrect use of assignment operator
    System.out.println("This is not supposed to happen");
}
// although we are using assignment operator but still the value is printed that's because after successfully assigning of the value it returns 'true'.
                
            

Explanation:

  • The use of = assigns true to isCar and then returns the assigned value (true).
  • The code block is executed because the condition evaluates to true.

Fixing the issue:

                    
boolean isCar = false;
if (isCar == true) { // Use '==' for comparison
    System.out.println("This is not supposed to happen");
}
                
            

Shortcuts:

  • You can directly use if (isCar) to check if isCar is true.
  • Use if (!isCar) to check if isCar is false.
  • The ! (NOT) operator returns the opposite value of a boolean.

Topic: Conclusion

Understanding the difference between the assignment and equality operators is crucial.

Always use == when comparing values, and = only for assignments.

Shortcut usage is recommended for more concise and readable code.

Next, we'll explore the ternary operator in the upcoming video.

Ternary Operator

Conditional operator with three operands.

Structure: operand1 ? operand2 : operand3

Test if operand1 is true, return operand2; otherwise, return operand3.

Ternary Operator Example

                    
String makeOfCar = "Volkswagen";
boolean isDomestic = (makeOfCar.equals("Volkswagen")) ? false : true;
System.out.println("Is the car domestic? " + isDomestic);
                
            

Ternary Operator for Assigning Text

                    
int ageOfClient = 20;
String ageText = (ageOfClient >= 18) ? "Over 18" : "Still a kid";
System.out.println("Age: " + ageText);
                
            

Ternary Operator Summary

Replaces if-else for concise conditional assignments.

Structure: operand1 ? operand2 : operand3

Operator precedence

Operator precedence determines the order in which operators are evaluated within an expression.

Operators with higher precedence are evaluated before those with lower precedence.

Examples of common operator precedence:

Using parentheses can modify precedence and ensure desired evaluation order.

Understanding operator precedence is essential for writing accurate expressions.

Operator Precedence Table

Showcases priority of evaluating expressions

                
    Precedence | Operation
    ----------------------
    15         | Parentheses
    14         | Unary operators (positive, negative, increment, decrement, logical NOT, bitwise NOT)
    13         | Multiplicative operators (*, /, %)
    12         | Additive operators (+, -)
    11         | Shift operators (<<, >>, >>>)
    10         | Relational operators (<, >, <=, >=, instanceof)
     9         | Equality operators (==, !=)
     8         | Bitwise AND (&)
     7         | Bitwise XOR (^)
     6         | Bitwise OR (|)
     5         | Logical AND (&&)
     4         | Logical OR (||)
     3         | Ternary operator (condition ? expr1 : expr2)
     2         | Assignment operators (=, +=, -=, *=, /=, %=, &=, ^=, |=, <<=, >>=, >>>=)
     1         | Comma operator (,)
    
This table provides a comprehensive view of the operator precedence in Java, listing various operators and their precedence levels. The higher the precedence value, the higher the priority of the operation.