Q:

Why wont my scanner equal a value in my array? Please help a beginner out

This relates to the method userInput() and its if statements. The output for userInput() is 0 no matter what, why? I know the initial value of calculate = 0; but i want to change it so that each time the user enters "Paper" for example the value of calculate = 1; IVE TRIED EVERYTHING! now im stuck wondering whats wrong with my if statements. Please help. (sorry if i'm a noob)
import java.util.Scanner;

class RPS{

    private static String[] userOption = new String[]{"Rock", "Paper","Scissors"};
public static void main(String[] args){

    System.out.println("Enter: Rock, Paper Or Scissors");
    System.out.println(userInput());        
}

    public static int userInput(){

        int calculate = 99;

         Scanner input = new Scanner(System.in);
         String userChoice = input.nextLine();

            if(userChoice == userOption[0]){
                calculate = 0;
            } else if(userChoice == userOption[1]){
                calculate = 1;
            } else if(userChoice == userOption[2]){
                calculate = 2;
            }           

            return calculate;
        }   
}

A:

You have to use the equals Method if you are working with strings.
e.g.:
if(userChoice.equals(userOption[0]))

Because if you use == it checks whether the references to the objects are equal. 

