What are variables defined in a method heading called?

Variables defined in a method heading serve as placeholders for the values that will be passed to the method when it is called. These are known as formal parameters. They allow the method to accept arguments and make the method flexible and reusable. Formal parameters are defined in the method declaration and specify the type and name of each parameter that the method expects to receive.

When a method is called, the actual values provided to the method, known as actual parameters, are matched with the corresponding formal parameters based on their order and type. This distinction is vital as formal parameters define what inputs the method can accept, which is crucial for executing the method properly.

Understanding these terms is essential as they play a significant role in how methods are designed and how data is passed in Java programming. By correctly identifying formal parameters, students can grasp the function and structure of methods more effectively.