public static void main(String args[]) {
method

• This method, with this exact syntax, is called when you start your program.  This must be present in the first class called.
• When you run java ClassName on the command line,  it looks for this method in the ClassName class.
• Any arguments you provide on the command line are added to the input parameter, args[].  Each String, separated by a space, is a new element in the args[] parameter.
• Even if you run the program by clicking on an icon, executing a jar, or executing from and IDE (Forte'), it still looks to this method to start the class.
• Thus, you need to put all of your startup logic here.
• The syntax (not to be confused with sin tax):
• public: The access modifier.
• static: A keyword that states that there is only one instance of this method for all instances of the class.  Further, you need not instantiate a class to use a static method or static variable.
• Remember the Math object in JavaScript?  That is an object composed of all static methods and variables.
• Don't get it?  It will make more sense as we use it, but feel free to ask questions if you wish.
• void:  The return type.  Void means that this method does not return anything.
• main:  The method name.  java looks for the method with this name and this signature when starting a class.
• (String args[]):  An array of command line arguments passed in to the method.
• {: Marks the beginning of the method (not an emoticon).

Created by:  Brandan Jones December 17, 2001