6.6 - Array Example – Sum of Elements
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Introduction to Arrays and Their Usage
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Today, we'll look at how to work with arrays in Java, specifically how to sum their elements. Can anyone tell me what an array is?
Isn't an array a collection of elements of the same type?
Exactly! Arrays are fixed-size collections of similar data types. In our example, we have an integer array called 'marks'.
What does that mean when we say the size is fixed?
It means once we create an array, we cannot change its size. For instance, if we declare an array with five elements, it will always hold exactly five items.
What if we want more elements later?
In that case, we would need to create a new array and copy the elements over. Now, let's see how we sum the elements of the array called 'marks'.
Writing the Code to Calculate Sum
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"Here's our code snippet to calculate the sum:
Output and Conclusion
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When we run this program, the output will be 'Total Marks = 255'. Who can explain why this is the output?
That's the sum of all the integers in the 'marks' array! 90 + 85 + 80 equals 255.
Exactly! This demonstrates the utility of arrays in a practical way. Remember, arrays let you manage collections of similar data efficiently. Can anyone summarize what we've learned today?
We learned that arrays are fixed collections of similar data types and how to sum their elements using a for-each loop!
Well summarized! Remember these concepts as they are fundamental in programming.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section illustrates the use of an array in Java to store integers and demonstrates how to traverse the array to calculate their sum using a for-each loop. The example code is straightforward and emphasizes key concepts of arrays in Java.
Detailed
In this section, we explore an example in Java that demonstrates how to sum the elements of an array. The example introduces the 'SumExample' class, which contains a main method where an integer array 'marks' is initialized with specific values. It initializes a 'sum' variable to zero and uses a for-each loop to iterate through the elements of the array, adding each element's value to the 'sum' variable. Finally, it prints the total marks calculated.
This practical exercise helps solidify the understanding of arrays, specifically how to initialize them, access their elements, and use loops to perform operations on arrays, which are foundational skills in Java programming. The output illustrates how the final sum is displayed, ensuring a hands-on understanding of how array elements can be manipulated in Java.
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Defining the SumExample Class
Chapter 1 of 6
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Chapter Content
public class SumExample {
Detailed Explanation
In Java, classes are blueprints for creating objects. Here, we define a public class named SumExample. The public keyword indicates that the class is accessible from other classes. The name SumExample is an identifier that refers to this class. This is the foundational step in Java programming, where we start building our program.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a class like a recipe. Just like a recipe outlines the steps and ingredients needed to make a dish, a class outlines the attributes and functionalities of an object.
Main Method Declaration
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public static void main(String[] args) {
Detailed Explanation
This line defines the main method where Java programs begin execution. The method signature includes public, meaning it can be called from anywhere; static, indicating it belongs to the class rather than an instance; and void, indicating it does not return any value. The parameter String[] args allows the program to accept arguments from the command line.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine the main method as the front door of a house. Just as you enter through the front door to access the home, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) enters through the main method to start executing the program.
Initializing the Marks Array
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int[] marks = {90, 85, 80};
Detailed Explanation
Here, we create an integer array named marks and initialize it with three values: 90, 85, and 80. The int[] indicates that marks is an array of integers. The curly braces {} are used to list the initial values directly when creating the array.
Examples & Analogies
Think of an array like a container with labeled compartments. Each compartment can store a single item—in this case, each grade. We’re filling our container with specific grades from the start.
Calculating the Sum
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int sum = 0;
for (int m : marks) {
sum += m;
}
Detailed Explanation
This chunk initializes a variable sum to 0, which will hold the total marks. The for loop iterates through each element m in the marks array. During each iteration, the current value of m is added to sum. This way, we accumulate the total of all marks in the array.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine if you were collecting points in a game. You start with zero points, and each time you earn points from a level, you add those to your total score. That’s exactly what we’re doing here—summing up marks one by one.
Displaying the Result
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System.out.println("Total Marks = " + sum);
}
}
Detailed Explanation
Finally, this line outputs the total marks accumulated in the sum variable to the console. The System.out.println statement prints the string formatted with the total marks. The enclosing braces } close the main method and class declaration.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this step as announcing your total score after finishing a game. Just like you would tell others how many points you earned, this program prints the total marks to inform you of your performance.
Output of the Program
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Total Marks = 255
Detailed Explanation
After running the program, the output shows Total Marks = 255. This conveys the total sum of the grades (90 + 85 + 80) calculated by the program. This demonstrates that the code functions correctly and provides the expected result.
Examples & Analogies
It’s like handing in your exam paper and receiving feedback from the teacher. The printed output is the feedback indicating how well you scored based on the answers you provided.
Key Concepts
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Array: A structure to hold multiple elements of the same type.
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For-each loop: A simpler way to iterate through an array without managing an index.
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Summation: The process of adding all elements together.
Examples & Applications
In the example provided, the array 'marks' holds the values {90, 85, 80}, and their sum results in 255.
The code uses a for-each loop to traverse the 'marks' array efficiently.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Arrays align in fixed rows, summing numbers as it flows.
Stories
Imagine a teacher grading tests, she takes each paper, one by one. Each score goes into a big box—a collection—and at the end, she counts the box's total.
Memory Tools
S.A.F.E.: Store elements, Access by index, Fixed size, Easily iterate with loops.
Acronyms
A.R.R.A.Y.
Reservable Range of Aligned Yields.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Array
A collection of elements of the same type stored in contiguous memory locations.
- Foreach loop
A loop that iterates over elements in a collection or an array.
- Sum
The total obtained by adding numbers together.
Reference links
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