Cannot find symbol variable

[xalebo]

I really need help with this pls I got two program and i must combine them together
This is the method in the class :
int length(int p){
int chars;
String q = Integer.toString(p);
return chars = q.length();
}

Now in the main i got a problem about the error: Cannot find symbol variable chars
The main program goes like this:

public class Numbers{
public static void main (String args[]) {

NumberUtils nu = new NumberUtils();

System.out.println("Enter:::");
int p = Keyboard.readInt();

nu.length(p);
System.out.println("Number of characters= " + chars);


}
}

I am a beginner with java and i need this for tomorrow thx for your time and help
Drew

[KevinWorkman]

The scope of chars is only inside your length() method. You can't access it outside of that method.

[Fubarable]

You'll want to read up on scope which is the visibility of variables and methods in Java. Your chars variable is declared inside of the length method and thus is visible only inside of this method. If it needs to be visible outside, then you'll want to declare it in the class, not in the method. You'll also want to then give the class a public getter method for this property/variable.

[xalebo]

Thanks very much both . I figured it out i have some problem in the class because like you both said i couldn't do it outside of the method. Thanks a lot both

[KevinWorkman]

Also, that method is returning a value (which is the value of chars, incidentally), which you seem to be throwing away.