Alternate syntax of main() method
In Java, the standard entry point of any program is:
public static void main(String[] args)
However, Java provides flexibility in how the parameter is written. While the structure of
main() must remain
public static void main(...), the syntax of the String array can vary
slightly without affecting the behavior.
Standard & Common Forms
public static void main(String[] args)
public static void main(String []args)
public static void main(String args[])- All are valid and functionally identical.
- Only the position of brackets changes.
Using Varargs (Ellipsis)
public static void main(String... args)...(ellipsis) means variable-length arguments.- Treated internally as a
String[].
Custom Parameter Names
public static void main(String[] Simran)- The name
argsis conventional but not mandatory. - You can use any legal variable name:
data,input,Simran, etc.
With Additional Modifiers
final public static void main(String[] args)
strictfp public static void main(String[] args)
synchronized public static void main(String[] args)
public static final void main(String[] args)- These modifiers are allowed alongside
public static. - The order of modifiers can vary (Java is flexible here).
Invalid or JVM-Ignored Forms (Not Executable)
public void main(String[] args) // ❌ Missing static
static void main(String[] args) // ❌ Missing public
public static int main(String[] args) // ❌ Invalid return type
public static void main() // ❌ Missing parameterThese will compile (sometimes), but the JVM won’t recognize them as the program’s entry point.
Summary
| Syntax | Valid | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| public static void main(String[] args) | Yes | Standard |
| public static void main(String args[]) | Yes | Brackets after name |
| public static void main(String... args) | Yes | Varargs |
| public static void main(String[] Simran) | Yes | Custom parameter name |
| final public static void main(String[] args) | Yes | With final modifier |
| strictfp public static void main(String[] args) | Yes | With strictfp |
| synchronized public static void main(String[] args) | Yes | With synchronized |
| public static final void main(String[] args) | Yes | Modifiers reordered |