are functions ok to use in a field of a class (java)

Question

If I have an abstract class, is it proper form to put a function in one of the fields? or will it cause problems?

example:

public abstract class A{

   private double x = z+w/y;

....

If it helps to keep the code more readable, it's a good idea. — Philipp Reichart, Oct 20 '11 at 19:08

score 3 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:03

3

Indeed, you put not a function, just an expression as initializer. There is nothing bad in using it.

Beware however that if your expression depends on other fields, the value depends on the initialization order. (See this answer for advanced details and example)

edited May 23 '17 at 12:03

Community

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answered Oct 20 '11 at 19:07

Vlad

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yeah that's what i meant, an expression. Thanks – dumpstercake Oct 20 '11 at 19:09

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 20 '11 at 19:15

In short, it depends.

You can do it from a technical perspective, yes - and if it's very clear what's going on and nothing unexpected happens when reading through the code (i.e. it doesn't turn into the next Java puzzler) then it's fine. Bear in mind though that if you take this sort of thing to extremes it can turn into a real puzzle (it can be dependant on the order fields are initialised in for instance) and that's when it should be avoided!

are functions ok to use in a field of a class (java)

2 Answers2