Conventionally, can a set() method return a value in Java? -

i learning how write neat , organized code in java. can set() method return value or there more efficient/readable way of doing this?

public class car {       private boolean mhasaxles;      private boolean mhastires;      private tires mtires;       public setaxels(boolean hasaxles) {           mhasaxels = hasaxles;      }       public boolean hasaxles() {           return mhasaxles;      }       public boolean settires(tires tires) {           if(hasaxles()){                mtires = tires;                mhastires = true;                return true;      // returns true if able set tires           }       return false;  // returns false because car did not have axels                      // therefore, tires not set      } } 

in example, question settires() method. should class check whether car has axles when setting tires or should logic left class uses car? should settires() method called else since returns value?

strictly conventionally - no, setter returns void.

having said that, free return boolean if wish - conventions broken (even in internal java api's) , method signature, including it's return type, should inspire interested developer navigate code see why boolean returned.

to make clearer, might want use different method name, e.g. settiresifable(tires tires), or alternatively return void , throw exception per below:

 public void settires(tires tires){      if(!hasaxels()) {          throw new illegalstateexception("no axels!");      }      mtires = tires;      mhastires = true;  } 

incidentally, mhastires redudant, can check if tires == null.

lastly, can avoid m or hungarian notation in java (as per convention), this:

 public setaxels(boolean hasaxels){       this.hasaxels = hasaxels;  }