What Is public static void main(String[] args) in Java?

If you’ve just started learning Java, chances are you’ve already typed this line:

And if you’re like most beginners, you probably thought, “What does all this even mean?”
Don’t worry – it looks scary at first, but once you break it down, it’s actually pretty simple. In this post, we’ll unpack what each word means, why it’s used, and how it all fits together.

Let’s get into it.

Why This Line Is Important

In Java, every application needs a starting point – a place where the program begins execution. That’s exactly what this line is. It’s the main method, and the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) looks for it when you run your program.
Without this line, your Java program won’t run (unless you’re working with frameworks or advanced setups, but let’s not go there yet).

Breaking It Down: One Word at a Time

Let’s break the whole line into chunks and explain each part.

1. public

This means that the method is accessible from anywhere.
Since the JVM is outside your program (kind of like a guest trying to enter your house), it needs permission to access this method. Making it public gives it that access.
Think of it like a public door that anyone can walk through.
If it were private or protected, the JVM wouldn’t be able to find it – and your code wouldn’t run.

2. static

This means the method belongs to the class itself, not to an object of the class.

Wait, what?
Let’s say you have a class called HelloWorld. Normally, to use its methods, you’d first create an object:

But with the main method, we don’t want to create an object just to start the program. That’s where static comes in.
It lets the JVM call the main method without creating an object.
No objects. No mess. Just run.

3. void

This one’s pretty chill.
It just means the method doesn’t return anything.

So when main runs, it doesn’t send anything back – it just kicks things off.If it were returning something (like a number or string), we’d specify the return type. But since it’s only used to start the program, void makes sense.

4. main

This is the name of the method – and it’s not optional.
The JVM specifically looks for a method called main when your program starts. You can’t rename it to something like startProgram() or begin().

It has to be called main.
So if you change it, Java won’t know where to begin and you’ll get an error.

5. (String[] args)

This is how Java handles command-line arguments.

Let’s break it down:

• String[] means it’s an array of Strings.

• args is just the name of the variable (you can rename it, actually – more on that in a sec).

When you run your program from the command line, you can pass arguments like this:

In your Java code, args[0] would be "hello" and args[1] would be "world".

You can use these values in your program however you like.

And yes, you can change the name args to anything else – it’s just a variable name. Java only cares about the type (String[]), not the name.

Example:
java

Totally valid.

The Whole Thing Again

Here’s the full method again:

And here’s how you can read it in plain English:

“This is a method named main that anyone can access (public), it belongs to the class not the object (static), it doesn’t return anything (void), and it can take some text input when the program starts (String[] args).”

A Real Example

Let’s put it into a simple Java program:

Output: Hello, Java!
That’s it. The JVM sees the main method and runs it.

Bonus: Print Command-Line Arguments

Here’s a tiny upgrade using args:

If you run it like:

Output:

Neat, right?

What Happens If You Leave Something Out?

Let’s say you try to remove one of the keywords. What happens?

• Remove public → JVM can’t access it → program doesn’t run.

• Remove static → JVM would need to create an object first → not allowed.

• Change void to something else → Now you need to return that type → unnecessary complication.

• Rename main → JVM won’t find the entry point.

• Change String[] args → Only valid if the type stays the same.

So yes, each part exists for a reason.

In Short: Why It Matters

That long line you type without thinking? It’s kind of a big deal.

It’s like the front door of your Java program. The JVM walks in through this door and starts exploring the house (your code).

Once you understand what each part means, it stops feeling so scary – and starts to feel kind of cool.

Quick Recap

Final Tip

You don’t need to memorize this line word-for-word just yet. But now that you know what it means, you’re not just copying and pasting blindly — you’re learning to think like a programmer.

Next time you write:

You’ll know exactly what you’re doing – and that’s a big step forward.

Want more beginner-friendly Java tips? Stick around — we’re just getting started.