Leap Year Rules: How to Identify Them in Java

Unraveling the Mystery of Leap Years

The Rules of the Game

When it comes to identifying leap years, there are specific rules to follow. A leap year is exactly divisible by 4, except for century years (those ending with 00). But what about century years? Are they automatically leap years? Not quite. A century year is only considered a leap year if it is perfectly divisible by 400.

Putting the Rules to the Test

Let’s examine a real-world example. Take the year 1900, for instance. Since it’s a century year, it needs to meet both conditions: being divisible by 4 and 400. However, 1900 falls short of the latter requirement, making it a non-leap year.

A New Scenario

Now, let’s fast-forward to 2012. This year doesn’t end with 00, so it’s not a century year. According to the rules, it only needs to be divisible by 4 to qualify as a leap year. And indeed, 2012 passes this test with flying colors, making it a leap year.

Java Program to Check a Leap Year

Here’s a Java program that puts these rules into action:


// Java Program to Check a Leap Year
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int year = 2012; // change the year here
if (((year % 4 == 0) && (year % 100!= 0)) || (year % 400 == 0)) {
System.out.println(year + " is a leap year.");
} else {
System.out.println(year + " is not a leap year.");
}
}
}


The Takeaway

By understanding the intricacies of leap years and implementing them in a Java program, we can create a reliable tool for identifying these special years. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just starting out, grasping these concepts can elevate your coding skills and open up new possibilities.