Java Basics: Main Method and println() Method

Main Method in Java

The main method is the entry point of a Java program. During program execution, the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) searches for the main method to start the execution.

The JVM uses an inbuilt mechanism to locate the main method, which must be written in lowercase exactly as main. Java is case-sensitive, so any change in the method name will cause a runtime error.

If the main method is present, the JVM:

• Locates the bytecode of the main method
• Converts the bytecode into machine-specific code
• Passes the machine code to the operating system
• Produces the output of the Java program

If the main method is not found, the JVM generates a runtime error.

Syntax of Main Method:

public static void main(String[] args) {

    // program execution starts here

}

println Method in Java

The println() method is used to display data on the console output.

Key points:

It prints the given data on the console

After printing, it moves the cursor to the next line

The println() method belongs to the PrintStream class and is accessed using System.out.

Example:

System.out.println("Welcome to Java");

This statement prints the message and then moves the cursor to the next line.