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javaassignment-operator

What are the advantages/limitations of using a post fix operator over assignment operator?

I would like to know in what way a post fix operator is better than an assignment operator. In other words what are the advantages/limitations of using one over the other. 

int a = 10;
a++;

//over 

int a = 10;
a += 1;

Thanks.

Solution

  • At first, a++ and a-- are easier to write than a += 1 and a -= 1.

    Also, let's say you want to execute a method and increment a by one. Your method head: public static void doSomething(int smth)

    Then there are several things you can do: (let's pretend those lines are part of your main method, also int a = 10;

    You can use a postfix operator: 

    doSomething(a++);
//this will at first execute your method with a and then increment it by one

    Or you can use the longer version

    doSomething(a);
a += 1; //possible too, but longer

    Also there is --a and ++a which will at first increment a and then hand it over to a method or do something else with it.