How to write this method called toInt()

[lo2]

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?

[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. Specifically:

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
}

[lo2]

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.

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

[DarrylBurke]

What for?

db

[JosAH]

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

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

kind regards,

Jos

[Fubarable]

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

Please elaborate. Thanks.

[JosAH]

Please elaborate. Thanks.

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

[Fubarable]

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.

[JosAH]

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

Yep.

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.

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

kind regards,

Jos