Java Main Method Explanation
public class MainExample {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello!");
System.out.println("We just ran our first Java program!");
}
}
In Java, the public static void main(String[] args) method is the entry point of a Java application. Here's a detailed breakdown of each keyword:
1. public
Meaning: This is an access modifier that makes the main method accessible from anywhere.
Reason: The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) needs to call the main method to start the application, so it must be public to allow external access.
2. static
Meaning: This indicates that the method belongs to the class, not an instance of the class.
Reason: The JVM does not create an object of the class to call the main method. Instead, it calls the method directly via the class name.
3. void
Meaning: This specifies that the main method does not return any value.
Reason: The JVM does not expect any value to be returned from the main method.
4. main
Meaning: This is the name of the method. It is predefined and recognized by the JVM as the entry point of the application.
Reason: The JVM looks for the main method to start the execution of a Java program.
5. String[] args
Meaning: This is an array of String objects that can store command-line arguments passed to the program.
Reason: Users can pass additional information (arguments) to the program when running it from the command line.
public class MainExample {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello, World!");
if (args.length > 0) {
System.out.println("Command-line arguments:");
for (String arg : args) {
System.out.println(arg);
}
}
}
}