Create and use C# methods with a return value

The use of methods is a central element of C# programming. They allow you to design programs that are cleaner, more structured, and easier to maintain. In this tutorial, you will learn how to create and implement methods with a return value. Using a practical example where we add two numbers, you will be able to understand the basic steps.

Key insights

• Methods with return values allow you to process user inputs and return results.
• The return value is set with the return keyword.
• Parameters can be passed to methods to extend and generalize functionality.
• A well-named method improves the readability and understandability of your code.

Step-by-step guide

First step: Query the first number

Start by creating your method to query the first number. The method requires a return value of type string, as the console only returns text (strings). Use the static access modifier and name the method QueryNumber1. The method body is defined by curly braces.

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Second step: Set the return value

For the method to return a value, you must use the return keyword. In this example, you want to return the first number queried from the console as a string. You capture the value with Console.ReadLine() and store it in a variable called Number1. You then return this variable in your method.

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Third step: Create method to query the second number

To maximize the reusability of your code, you should design the method to query not only the first number but also the second. You can modify the method to require a parameter for the console output, such as: Please enter the second number to add.

For this, insert the new parameter in the method's parentheses and name it for example OutputText.

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Fourth step: Return the second number

Now you implement the logic to query the second number. Similar to the first number, you use the return keyword to return the captured number. This process includes the output prompt for the user and captures the input again with Console.ReadLine(), which now provides the return value for the variable Number2.

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Fifth step: Call the method for console output

Go back to the Main method and now call the created method to query the numbers. Implement the method QueryNumbersConsole in your code and pass the desired output texts for the two numbers. When you start the program now, the user will be prompted to enter the numbers.

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Summary - C# Programming: Creating and Using Methods with Return Values

In this tutorial, you learned how to implement methods with return values in C# to process simple user inputs. You learned the basics of returning values, using parameters, and structuring your methods. With this knowledge, you are now able to make your C# programs more effective and improve interactivity with users.