Introduction to Java 2 Programming Lecture 2 Java Syntax, Robocode

Overview Java Syntax –Quick Overview Robocode –How it works –Writing Robots –Anatomy of a Robot Practical Exercises

Naming All Java syntax is case sensitive Valid Java names –Consist of letters, numbers, underscore, and dollar –Names can only start with letter or underscore –E.g. firstAttribute but not 1stAttribute Camel case convention –Java encourages long, explanatory names –Start with a lower case letter, with words capitalised –E.g. thisIsCamelCase, andSoIsThisAsWell

Classes One Java class defined in each.java file File name must match the name of the class –Otherwise there will be compilation errors –Class names start with an upper case letter Compiler will generate a.class file with same name –Contains the bytecode Classes defined using the class keyword.

Packages Group related classes together Each class in a package must have a unique name Indicate the package a class belongs to with the package keyword Recommended each class is put in a package Gain access to public classes in other packages using the import keyword –The JVM needs to know where the classes are defined before you can use them

Anatomy of a Java Source File package intro2java; import java.util.*; /** * A description of the class */ public class MyFirstClass { //public constants //attributes private boolean isSomething; private int aCounter; //methods public void doSomething() { //code goes here }

Examples (if) if (x == y) { //executes if true } if (somethingIsTrue()) { doSomething(); } else { doSomethingElse(); }

Example (for) int x=0; for (int i=1; i<=10; i++) { //code to repeat ten times x = x + i; }

Example (while) int x=0; while (x < 10) { doSomething(); x++; } //loop forever while (true) { }

Common Sources of Error Mistakes in naming –Wrong case, illegal names –class name and source file name not the same Missing semi-colon Missing curly brackets Incorrect Loop checks –Loop is too large/small, or occurs forever Testing equality –Assignment with = (single equals sign) –Comparison with == (two equals signs)

Overview Java Syntax –Quick Overview Robocode –How it works –Writing Robots –Anatomy of a Robot Practical Exercises

Anatomy of a Robot package yourname; import robocode.*; /** * Description of Robot */ public class MyRobot extends Robot { /** * Description of run method */ public void run() { //the robots behaviour }