Understanding parameters

public class Whatever {
    public static int foo(int a){
        return a+2;
    }

    public static void main(String[] args){
        int x = 1;
        System.out.println(Whatever.foo(x));
    }
}

"Parameter" is "a". It is a name that exists only in local scope (scope is part of code where local variables are defined - that is simplification). Even though you call real value "x", you can take it's value from "a" in foo, because you passed this value in PARAMETER. This is the meaning of this sentence.

Btw: where did you read that? I'd like to append that to my "never read this stuff, it confuses you" list.

Google's definition on the word "parameter":

a numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation.

I think it's better for you to go with this definition. The method that you are invoking is the "operation", and the definition of the method is the system. Your parameters are the "measurable factor" that the operation operate around.

Also as general advice, even when you are reading technical books, accept the definition of the dictionary before what's on the book.

A parameter is an argument passed to a function or method (depending on the language, that allows for outside values to be copied or used by a given function or object.

For example:

Let's say that there's an object that's an array and it has a method called "addTwo". This method takes two indices and adds the values at those indices. But how does the array know what two indices it needs? This is where parameters come in.

int[] exampleArray = {1,2,3,4};

exampleSum = exampleArray.addTwo(0,3);

exampleSum is now equal to 5 since 1+4 = 5, those being the values at indices 0 and 3 respectively.

Parameters allow you to work with non-global variables that are generated outside the method, effectively copying them inside and then doing something with them.