Why Does code.runnable.com Allow Me to Change a Variable's Value in Java?

Question

I heard that Java integers are pass by value, so why does the following code work in code.runnable.com?

public class HelloWorld {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    int number = 0;
    number = 2;
    System.out.println(number);
  }
}

The code will print out 2.

You **aren't** even calling a method. This is simple local assignment. Please clarify your question. — Elliott Frisch, Jan 23 '16 at 00:04
@ElliottFrisch not calling a method **to modify the variable**. `System.out.println` is a method and it is called. — MikeCAT, Jan 23 '16 at 00:18
@MikeCAT Well, so is `main`. But OP's question only includes an example with local assignment. — Elliott Frisch, Jan 23 '16 at 00:21

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 23 '16 at 00:05

0

This code snippet doesn't pass number anywhere. You're declaring a local variable and then overriding its initial value. This is perfectly legal in Java, and has nothing to do with passing by reference or by value.

answered Jan 23 '16 at 00:05

Mureinik

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The code snipped do pass `number` to `System.out.println`, so it is printed. – MikeCAT Jan 23 '16 at 00:18

Why Does code.runnable.com Allow Me to Change a Variable's Value in Java?

1 Answers1