Java Method Return Values: Correct Approaches for void and Non-void Methods

This article explains Java method return values, using a calculator example to illustrate that return values are the output of a method after receiving input. The article categorizes methods into two types: 1. **void Methods**: Return type is void, which means no data is returned. The method ends immediately after execution and does not require receiving a return value. It is used for actions only (e.g., printing, initialization), and called by direct execution. 2. **Non-void Methods**: Return data, so a type must be declared (e.g., int, String). Data returned must be of the same type as declared. When called, the return value is either received by a variable or used in calculations. A return statement is required to return data during definition. Key points for returning data: Non-void methods must have a return statement with matching type; return types in multi-branch scenarios must be consistent. Void methods can use return to exit early. Summary: Choose void or non-void based on whether data needs to be returned. Non-void methods require proper return statements with matching types to avoid common errors.