2. Functions
Overview.
In this chapter, we consider a concept that has as profound an impact on control flow as do conditionals and loops: the function, which allows us to transfer control back and forth between different pieces of code. Functions are important because they allow us to clearly separate tasks within a program and because they provide a general mechanism that enables us to reuse code.- 2.1 Static Methods introduces the Java mechanism (the static method) for implementing functions.
- 2.2 Libraries and Clients describes how to group related static methods into libraries to enable modular programming.
- 2.3 Recursion considers the idea of a function calling itself. This possiblility is known as recursion.
- 2.4 Percolation presents a case study that uses Monte Carlo simulation to study a natural model known as percolation.
Java programs in this chapter.
Below is a list of Java programs in this chapter. Click on the program name to access the Java code; click on the reference number for a brief description; read the textbook for a full discussion.
REF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 2.1.1 Newton.java Newton's method (revisited) 2.1.3 Coupon.java coupon collector (revisited) 2.2.1 StdRandom.java random number library 2.2.3 IFS.java iterated function systems 2.2.5 StdStats.java data analysis library 2.3.1 Euclid.java Euclid's algorithm 2.3.3 Beckett.java Gray code 2.3.5 Brownian.java Brownian bridge 2.4.2 VerticalPercolation.java vertical percolation 2.4.4 Estimate.java percolation probability estimate 2.4.6 PercPlot.java adaptive plot client 2body.txt 3body.txt 4body.txt 2bodyTiny.txt 4.1.1.java 41analysis