Question

Is it possible to set class variables by simply instantiating the class with parameters for the constructor function?

Psuedo code

public class Employee {
    String first_name;
    String last_name; // can this be set automatically from the parameter of the constructor function without having to explicitly set it?

    public Employee (String firstName, String lastName) {
        first_name = firstName; // is there a way to avoid having to type this?
        last_name = lastName;
    }
}

Answer 1

No, you have to set it explicitly.

However, many IDEs such as Eclipse allow you to write your field declarations and then autogenerate constructors which set them.

(Note: I would suggest that you make fields private, and also final where possible. Also, avoid underscores in identifiers.)