What are formal parameters in a method?

Formal parameters in a method are the variables defined in the method header that accept values when the method is called. These parameters act as placeholders for the actual values that will be passed to the method. When defining a method, you specify what type of data the method should expect (such as integers, strings, or other types) and give each of these expected inputs a name. This allows the method to use these values within its body while executing.

The distinction between formal parameters and other concepts is crucial for understanding method functionality. Actual values, or arguments, are provided at the time the method is invoked, while return values are what the method sends back after execution. Local variables, on the other hand, are created within the method body to assist with calculations or hold temporary data but do not define the method’s interface. Thus, defining formal parameters in the method header establishes how the method interacts with the outside code, enabling input flexibility for different use cases.