How can I make a method return a “variable” (not value)?

Question

I have a set of global double variables called softPrice0 (and 1, 2, 3)

The thing is I had the idea to use a method like this:

SOMEWORD getOPrice()  //I tried double, String, Object, variable, etc
{return softPrice0;}

So I can use it later like this: getOPrice()=5.8;

I know that using an array would do the trick but I would like to know if I can make methods throw variable names to use it as I explained.

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thanks ortang

This is how I made it, the approach changed though.

setOPrice(Double.parseDouble(txtPriceDolar.getText())); //thats the call

void setOPrice(double value) { //this is the setter, no need of getter
switch(combobox.getSelectedIndex())
{case 1: this.softPrice0 = value; break;
 case 2: this.softPrice1 = value; break;
 case 3: this.softPrice2 = value; break;
default: this.softPrice3 = value; break;}}

now looks more simple, Thanks to everybody. Asking the wrong questions teaches a lot.

Answer 1

Java passes by value, so this isn't possible without a separate getter and setter.

Examples:

void setOPrecio(double softPrecio0) {
  this.softPrecio0 = softPrecio0;
}

double getOPrecio() {
  return softPrecio0;
}

However, if the value is a class, you may be looking for something along the lines of the singleton pattern.

public class Singleton {
  private static final Singleton INSTANCE = new Singleton();

  private Singleton() {}

  public static Singleton getInstance() {
    return INSTANCE;
  }
}

Singleton example code from Wikipedia's article .

Answer 2

For setting you can not use the getter as you want to. getOPrecio()=5.8; will not work. You have to use a setter method. Take a look at the following sample, to access the value you have to use the getter(read) or setter(write).

You would want to use something like setOPrecio(5.8) .

public class DoubleHolder {
  private double vaule;

  public double getValue() {
    return value;
  }

  public void setValue(double value) {
    this.value = value
  }
}

Answer 3

Java has no way of passing or returning a "variable".

The closest you are going to get are:

• passing or returning an object whose fields are the "variables", or

• passing or returning an array whose elements could be viewed as "variables".

And to be clear, neither of the contrivances are close to passing or returning a bare variable.

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You need to rethink your problem / solution in terms of the constructs that Java does provide.