Why this doesn't work?

Question

Hi,
Is there anyone who could help me debug this piece?
I only get '1' in the print statement -
instead of an expected 'ab1'
Thanks.
int RESULT;
String testOut = new String();
String testIn1 = new String ("a");
String testIn2 = new String ("b");
RESULT = testingInOut(testOut, testIn1, testIn2);
System.out.println("TESTOUT = "+ testOut +RESULT);
     public static int testingInOut(String OUT,
                    String IN1,
                    String IN2)
     OUT = IN1+IN2;
     return(1);
     }               -----------------------------------

Answer 1

Hi,
Is there anyone who could help me debug this piece?
I only get '1' in the print statement -
instead of an expected 'ab1'Java only passes by value. You are passing a reference called 'testOut'. That reference is copied (pass by value) when the method is called.
In your method you create a new string and then assign it to the copy of the reference. And then you return. The copy is discarded. And you still use the original.