Dead Code: Unused Method

Abstract

This method is not reachable from any method outside the class.

Description

This method is never called or is only called from other dead code.

Examples

Example 1: In the following class, the method doWork() can never be called.

	public class Dead {
	  private void doWork() {
		System.out.println("doing work");
	  }
	  public static void main(String[] args) {
		System.out.println("running Dead");
	  }
	}

Example 2: In the following class, two private methods call each other, but since neither one is ever invoked from anywhere else, they are both dead code.

	public class DoubleDead {
	  private void doTweedledee() {
		doTweedledumb();
	  }
	  private void doTweedledumb() {
		doTweedledee();
	  }
	  public static void main(String[] args) {
		System.out.println("running DoubleDead");
	  }
	}

(In this case it is a good thing that the methods are dead: invoking either one would cause an infinite loop.)