What Is a Java Statement?

Express, declare and redirect

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Statements are similar to sentences in the English language. A sentence forms a complete idea which can include one or more clauses. Likewise, a statement in Java forms a complete command to be executed and can include one or more expressions.

In simpler terms, a Java statement is just an instruction that explains what should happen.

Types of Java Statements

Java supports three different types of statements:

  • Expression statements change values of variables, call methods, and create objects.
  • Declaration statements declare variables.
  • Control-flow statements determine the order that statements are executed. Typically, Java statements parse from the top to the bottom of the program. However, with control-flow statements, that order can be interrupted to implement branching or looping so that the Java program can run particular sections of code based on certain conditions.

Examples of Java Statements

 //declaration statement
int number;
//expression statement
number = 4;
//control flow statement
if (number < 10 )
{
  //expression statement
  System.out.println(number + " is less than ten");
}
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Your Citation
Leahy, Paul. "What Is a Java Statement?" ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/statement-2034294. Leahy, Paul. (2023, April 5). What Is a Java Statement? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/statement-2034294 Leahy, Paul. "What Is a Java Statement?" ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/statement-2034294 (accessed March 28, 2024).