How to write this method called toInt()

Hi there

I have to write this method:

public int toInt();

Where if I get a string, it evaluates to 0 if it is empty or the number equal to its length.

And if I get a boolean as input, it evaluates false to 0 and true to 1.

And if the input is an int it just gives out that int.

So I am not sure how to make this method. Can I use some kind of pattern matching or how will I be able to distinguish between the different types of input?

You will need to do "method overloading" which means that you'll need to create at least three methods, one that accepts a String, one that accepts an int parameter, and one that accepts a boolean. Specifically:

Code:

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public int toInt(String text) {
  // your code goes here
}

public int toInt(boolean bool) {
  // your code goes here
}

public int toInt(int value) {
  // your code goes here
}

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fubarable

You will need to do "method overloading" which means that you'll need to create at least three methods, one that accepts a String, one that accepts an int parameter, and one that accepts a boolean.

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Ok, is correct to use the "instanceof" for this purpose?

What for?

db

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lo2

Ok, is correct to use the "instanceof" for this purpose?

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Not needed for overloaded methods; the compiler figures out which method to use.

kind regards,

Jos

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JosAH

Not needed for overloaded methods; the compiler figures out which method to use.

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Please elaborate. Thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fubarable

Please elaborate. Thanks.

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Suppose your three methods (see above) are defined; whenever the compiler see a calll toInt(x) where x is a String, boolean or int it generates code for the String, boolean or int parameter method. Overloading of methods is a compiler thingy while overriding of methods is a runtime thingy.

kind regards,

Jos

Right but for this to work, you still need to have the three overloaded methods present, correct?

Oh,... I was reading your post wrong. You stated not needed for overloaded methods, and I was interpreting that to mean you didn't think that the methods should be overloaded. I shouldn't try to answer questions when I'm post call and sleep deprived.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fubarable

Right but for this to work, you still need to have the three overloaded methods present, correct?

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Yep.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fubarable

Oh,... I was reading your post wrong. You stated not needed for overloaded methods, and I was interpreting that to mean you didn't think that the methods should be overloaded. I shouldn't try to answer questions when I'm post call and sleep deprived.

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All I wrote was that the instanceof operator isn't needed; stop interpreting and go to sleep ;-)

kind regards,

Jos