Procedural Abstraction in Java

What is procedural abstraction?

The process of developing methods or functions that carry out particular functions in a programme is known as procedural abstraction in Java. These functions or methods can be used repeatedly throughout the program, which helps stream the code and also prevent the duplication of program.

Programmers can use procedural abstraction to divide a challenging issue into smaller, easier-to-implement tasks that can be implemented as distinct methods or functions. Procedural abstraction encourages modular programming by breaking down programmes into smaller, reusable components that are simpler to read, maintain, and debug.

The public or private keyword, followed by the method's return type, name, and parameter list, is used to define methods in Java to achieve procedural abstraction. The task-performing code is contained in the method body, which can be called from other areas of the programme by giving the necessary inputs and using the method's name.

For Example:

Take a programme that needs to conduct a calculation on two numbers. A programmer can develop a function that receives two parameters and returns the calculated value rather than writing the code to conduct the computation each time it is required:

public class Example {
 public static int addNumbers(int num1, int num2) {
 return num1 + num2;
 }
 public static void main(String[] args) {
 int result = addNumbers(10, 5);
 System.out.println("The result is: " + result);
 }
}

As you all can see in the above example, we have the public keyword, an int return type and the two parameter num1 and num2 are used to define the addnumbers function. The two integers are added using the code in the method body, which is called from the main method with the inputs 1o and 5.

Output:

The result is: 15

Why we use procedural abstraction in java?

There are number of reasons why we use procedural abstraction some are as follows:

• Reusability: by developing a method that complement a certain task, we can utilise that method in repeated manner without writing same code again and again. As a result the program is easier to maintain and it is more modular.
• Modularity: We can increase program modularity with the help of procedural abstraction, which divide large problem into smaller and it is easier to maintain.
• Encapsulation: procedural abstraction aids in encapsulating the function and data of the program by hiding the implementation of methods behind a clearly defined interface. It makes the program very simple and secure.
• Abstraction: With the help of procedural abstraction we can enable us to abstract away that specifics of a method implementation so that we can concentrate on the function of the method rather than the method implementation. It will helps us make program more abstract and easier to understand.
• Code organization: Procedural abstraction enables us to group our code into logical units that carry out particular functions. This makes it simpler to read, comprehend, and edit the code.

Basically, procedural abstraction is a fundamental concept in java programming and it is essential for creating modular, maintainable, and reusable code.

Advantages of procedural abstraction in java

There are some advantage of procedural abstraction in java:

1. Facilitates testing: testing is made easier by procedural abstraction, which isolate various program components. Because it is simple to test specific methods compare to the whole program, which make it simple to detect and it also correct issues.
2. Enhance code organization: Procedural abstraction helps us to improve the code organisation because it divide the program into logical smaller method it also increase its long term maintainability.
3. Support software evolution: procedural abstraction also support the software evolution by making it easier to add new function or change the existing function.

Disadvantages of procedural abstraction in java

There are some disadvantage of procedural abstraction in java:

1. Over-abstraction: Procedural abstraction can result in over-abstraction, where the programme becomes overly abstract and challenging to comprehend. For developers who are unfamiliar with the programme, in particular, this may make it more difficult to maintain the code.
2. Performance hit: Procedural abstraction can make a programme slower because each method call demands more time than inline code does.
3. Code bloat: Procedural abstraction can occasionally lead to code bloat, in which the programme grows bigger and more complex as a result of the addition of several little methods.
4. Difficult in debugging: Procedural abstraction can occasionally make it more challenging to debug a programme because it may call for tracing through multiple procedures in order to pinpoint the problem's origin.