Multiple values via array

Learn to return multiple values via an array.

Returning multiple values via an array

A method returns a single value. But if you want to pass back more than one, you can return them inside an array.

static int[] firstTwo(int a, int b) {
  return new int[]{a, b};
}
int[] pair = firstTwo(3, 7);
// pair: {3, 7}

Here new int[]{a, b} creates and returns a fresh two-element array. The array stays valid after the method returns; because the object lives on the heap.

Array return and usage

You assign the result of an array-returning method to a variable, then reach elements by index. The length of the array is read with .length.

int[] pair = firstTwo(3, 7);
int a = pair[0];
int b = pair[1];
System.out.println(a + " " + b);
// 3 7

This is handy when several values produced during a computation need to be returned in one package. Later you will also see record types.

Exercise Return min and max

Define a static int[] method called minMax; parameters int a, int b. Return a two-element array with the smaller at index 0 and the larger at index 1. In main, call minMax(9, 4) and print the result with Arrays.toString.

Show example solution

static int[] minMax(int a, int b) {
  if (a < b) return new int[]{a, b};
  return new int[]{b, a};
}
// inside main:
System.out.println(Arrays.toString(minMax(9, 4)));

Test yourself

Match expression to meaning

new int[]{a, b}

New two-element array
return null;

Returns nothing
return new int[0];

Returns an empty array
int[] pair

Array reference variable

Fill in the blank: return an array

static int[] firstTwo(int a, int b) {
  return ____{a, b};
}

Show answer

static int[] firstTwo(int a, int b) {
  return new int[]{a, b};
}

What does firstTwo(3, 7)[1] return?
```
int[] pair = firstTwo(3, 7);
```
- It throws an error
- 3
- 10
- 7
Show answer

It throws an error — Index 1 gives the second element.

Next lesson: final parameters

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