Second week into Java - errors

[hayden06f4i]

Hey guys,

This is my second week into my Java How to Program college class, and honestly im feeling defeated. i have what should be a relatively simple task to reform, and i can't even get it to work. i have 2 java files i have to slightly modify to display different results, and initially got 10 errors, now its down to 4, but im stuck after spending 4 hows on something so basic, its frustrating. any help is appreciated, as i have a screenshot of the error, and the code if anyone is interested in helping.

[berkeleybross]

Kinda hard to help when you dont say what the problem is ^^ - please post the code and the errors.

Beginning a new language is always hard, we all make basic errors. Stick in there! :P

[KevinWorkman]

Starting Writing a Program
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

[hayden06f4i]

sorry my question was vague, i guess is was more a question to ask if anyone could help. Here is the error, and my code:

2 files:

// fig 3.10 GradeBook.java
// GradeBook class with a constructorto initialize the course Name

public class GradeBook
{
	private String courseName; // course name for this GradeBook
	private String instructorName; // instructor's name for this Gradebook
	
	// constructor initializes courseName and 
	// instructor name with String argument
	public GradeBook ( String courseName, String instructorName)
	{
		setcourseName ( courseName) ;
		setinstructorName ( instructorName );
	} // end constructor
	
	//method to set the course name
	public void setcourseName ( String name )
	{
		courseName = name; // store the course name
	} // end method setCourseName
	
	// method to retrieve the course name
	public String getcourseName ()
	{
		return courseName;
	} // end method getCourseName
	
	//method to set the instructor name
	public void setinstructorName ( String name )
	{
		instructorName = name; // store the instructor name
	} // end method setInstructorName
	
	// method to retrieve the instructor name
	public String getinstructorName ()
	{
		return instructorName;
	} // end method getIntructorName
	
	//display a welcome message to the GradeBook User
	public void displayMessage ()
	{
		// this statement calls getCourseName to get the
		// name of the course this GradeBook represents
		System.out.printf ( "Welcome to the Grade Book for\n%s!\n",
			getcourseName ());
	} // end method displayMessage
}//end class GradeBook

SECOND FILE

// fig 3.11 GradeBookTest.java
// Gradebook constructor used to specify the course name at the
// time each Gradebook object is created

public class GradeBookTest
{
	//main method begins program execution
	public static void main ( String [] args )
	{
		// create GradeBook Object
		GradeBook gradeBook1 = new GradeBook(
			courseName , instructorName );
		GradeBook gradeBook2 = new GradeBook(
			courseName , instructorName );
			
		// display initial value of courseName for each Gradebook
		System.out.printf ( "gradeBook1 course name is: %s\n",
			gradeBook1.getcourseName() );
		System.out.printf ( "gradeBook2 course name is: %s\n",
			gradeBook2.getcourseName() );
	} // end main
} // end class GradeBookTest

the error's im getting all refer to the GradeBookTest.java file, lines 12 and 14 "Cannot Find Symbol"

im down to 4 errors from 10, but in looking at it further, im thinking i have something messed up where its not going to output what im looking for either, but need to get the errors straight first.

[hayden06f4i]

there has to be a better way to show the code to you guys, keeping the indents....sorry about that mistake. how can i maintain the indents so its easier for you guys to read?

[KevinWorkman]

Yeah, just use the code tags. You might have to click the "Go Advanced" button to see the button for it. It should look like this:

System.out.println("So pretty!");

Also, code you post really should be in SSCCE form. And you should point out any line numbers mentioned in errors in your code, so we don't have to count. Call us lazy, but it's best to make it as easy as possible for people to help you.

[berkeleybross]

In future, please could you use [code] and [/ code] (no space) tags around code you post... it makes it much easier to read.

Also, in future, when you get errors please post the full error messages. They are usually extremely useful, and by shortening them we cannot help you fully, or as quickly.

Luckily the code isnt too long so no harm this time :)

As to your problem.
The line

GradeBook gradeBook1 = new GradeBook(
courseName , instructorName );

passes the variables 'courseName' and 'instructorName', however you have never said what these variables are (hence cannot find symbol)

I presume what you wanted to do is give the constructor actual values. You do this like this:

GradeBook gradeBook1 = new GradeBook(
"An introduction to java" , "berkeleybross :P");

By wrapping text with quotations, you are telling the compiler they are string literals.

Another way of doing this is by defining the variables:

String courseName = "An introduction to java";
String instructorName = "berkeleybross";
GradeBook gradeBook1 = new GradeBook(courseName , instructorName );

Please ask if this doesnt make sense.

[hayden06f4i]

that makes sense that i need to need to define what the variables are. absolutely, thank you!

so that raises the question now, what im trying to do is have the displayMessage modified to output a Welcome message and Course name, followed by "This course is presented by: " and the instructor.

[hayden06f4i]

Sorry for the Double post, but......I GOT IT! thank you for your help....

after some more editing to what the strings display it shows:

gradebook1 course name is: CS101 Intro to Java Programming
This Course is presented by: Mr. Christian

gradebook2 course name is: CS102 Data Structures in java
This Course is presented by: Mr. Bellicheck

thanks guys. i hope to make it through some of my next question without help, but if not can i ask for more? haha.

[berkeleybross]

Glad to be of help!
And yes, feel free to ask. Just start a new thread when you need to :)