Why return type required on a constructor?

Question

I am trying to show student number, grade and course number. When I try to compile the start of my work, it won't compile. It keeps getting hung up on my constructor.
It is stating that I need a return type for line: "public StuID(int idNum)" line. (for me it is line 13.
. This isn't even homework. This is exactly how they have it in my book. Very easy if I typed something wrong, but the textbook doesn't show a type either.
public class Students
     private int stuNum;
     private String grade;
     public int courseNum;
     public StuID(int idNum)
          String[] gradeSchedule = {A, B, C, D, F};
          int[] courseList = {"X", "101", "102", "103", "104", "105"};
          stuNum = idNum;
          if (idNum > gradeSchedule.length)
     idNum=0;
          grade = gradeSchedule[idNum];
          course = courseList[idNum];
     public int getStu()
     return stuNum;
      public String getGrade()
     return grade;
      public int getCourseNum()
     return courseNum;
      public void setStu(int numStu)
     stuNum = numStu;
      public void setGrade (String stuGrade)
     grade = stuGrade;
      public void setCourse (int numCourse)
     courseNum = numCourse;
}As I stated earlier, I have just started typing this section. I follow the text and compile when they tell me to. However at this point, I get the return type is needed message.
Looking at a book and trying to type what they have, I could have left something out, but I sure think it looks like what they have in the book. Can anyone spot why it is asking me for a return type on the "public StuID(int idNum)" line?
Thanks,
Gizelle

Answer 1

Since the class is named Students, a constructor for the class will look like public Students() { ... } StuId is just a method (and a poorly named one) and so it must have a return type (which could be void).