Chapter 8: JAVA: Syntax, Output, and Comments

Introduction

Understanding the basics of Java syntax, output, and comments is crucial for writing clean and
effective code. This chapter will introduce you to the fundamental syntax of Java, how to produce output,
and the importance of comments in making your code understandable. Building on your previous lessons,
you will apply these concepts to write and analyze Java programs.

Lesson Objectives

• Knowledge: Understand Java syntax, how to produce output, and the role of comments.
• Skill: Write Java code that adheres to correct syntax, generates output, and includes meaningful
comments.
• Affective: Appreciate the importance of clear and well-documented code for effective
programming and collaboration.

Activity 1

Activity: JAVA Crossword

16
Java Design & Development: A Guide to Object-Oriented Programming
Halner D. Alejaga, LPT
 ACROSS

2. The primary method that serves as the entry point for a Java program.

3. A blueprint for creating objects, encapsulating data and methods that operate on that data.

5. A keyword used to indicate that a method does not return a value.

6. A short form for "arguments," referring to the parameters passed to the main method.

8. An access modifier that makes a class, method, or variable accessible from anywhere within a Java
program

DOWN

1. The rules and structure that govern how code is written in a programming language.

4. A data type used to represent sequences of characters, such as words or sentences.

7. A keyword used to declare methods or variables that belong to the class itself rather than individual
objects.

Analysis of the Activity Using Guide Questions

1. How does solving the clues in the Java Crossword help you remember important Java syntax and
terms? Can you give an example of a term you learned and how it’s used in Java programming?
2. How does understanding the syntax of Java keywords help in writing correct and efficient code?
3. Compare two Java terms or concepts from the crossword. How are they similar, and how do they
differ in their usage in Java programs?

Discussion of the Lesson

Key Concepts:

1. Java Syntax: The set of rules that define the structure of Java code. Includes rules for writing
variables, methods, and control structures.
2. Output Statements: Using System.out.println() and System.out.print() to display text and data to
the console.
3. Comments: Using // for single-line comments and /* */ for multi-line comments to explain the
purpose of code sections and make code more understandable.

17
Java Design & Development: A Guide to Object-Oriented Programming
Halner D. Alejaga, LPT
 Examples:

Basic Syntax: Writing a simple Java program with correct syntax to declare a variable, assign a value, and
print it.

public class HelloWorld {

public static void main(String[] args) {
int number = 10; // Declare and initialize variable
System.out.println("The number is: " + number); // Output statement
}
}

Output Statements: Using System.out.print() for continuous output on the same line.

public class OutputExample {

public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.print("Hello, ");
System.out.print("world!");
}
}

Comments: Adding comments to explain code.

public class CommentExample {

public static void main(String[] args) {
// Declare a variable to store the value
int value = 42;
// Output the value to the console
System.out.println("The value is: " + value);
}
}

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: A software developer writes a Java program to calculate and display employee salaries. Proper
syntax, clear output statements, and comments ensure that the code is error-free and easy for other
developers to understand.

Scenario 2: A team of programmers reviews and refactors an existing Java application. They correct syntax
errors, enhance output statements for better clarity, and add comments to document complex logic.

Hands-on Activity for Students

Activity: Find the Error in the Code

Instructions: Identify and correct the error(s) in the following Java code.

18
Java Design & Development: A Guide to Object-Oriented Programming
Halner D. Alejaga, LPT
 Code Snippet 1: Beginner Level

public class Greeting {

public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello, World!)
}
}

Code Snippet 2: Intermediate Level

public class Addition {

public static void main(String[] args) {
int num1 = 5;
int num2 = 10;
System.out.print("The sum is: " + (num1 + num2));
//Prints the sum of two numbers
}

Code Snippet 3: Advanced Level

public class Multiplication {

public static void main(String[] args) {
/* This program multiplies two numbers
int num1 = 8;
int num2 = 7;
System.out.print("The product is: " + num1 * num2);
*/
}
}

Guide Questions:

1. How does the error in the multi-line comment in the advanced code snippet affect the program's
execution? Can you explain why it's important to use comments correctly in larger, more complex
programs?
2. Considering the purpose of comments in code, how would you assess the impact of improper
commenting on code readability and maintainability, especially in a collaborative environment?
3. After identifying and correcting the errors in the code snippets, how would you modify or extend
one of the programs to include additional functionality or output? For example, can you enhance
the multiplication program to include user input for the numbers?

Summary

In this chapter, you learned the basics of Java syntax, output statements, and comments. By
understanding and applying these concepts, you can write clear, effective, and well-documented Java
code. These skills are fundamental as you continue to explore more advanced Java programming topics.

19
Java Design & Development: A Guide to Object-Oriented Programming
Halner D. Alejaga, LPT