What is depreciation and how does it relate to the matching principle?

Why would a company choose to use straight-line depreciation versus double-declining when depreciating their assets?

And, depending on which method is adopted, compare the effect it will have on the financial statements during the first year the asset is in place. For example, if using the straight-line method, will net income be greater or less than if using the double declining method? And what would be the effect of the net asset value on the balance sheet?