Java Main Method, Parameters Differences

Question

I've started learning Java and I was wondering the difference between:

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

and

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

As you can see they look almost exactly the same but my question here is, should the '[]' be before the args or after the args? I have a Java beginners guide and it shows me examples with the '[]' after the args. I would be grateful if someone could tell me the correct way.

Thanks!.

Bohemian · Accepted Answer · 2013-08-23T16:43:26.270

5

String args[] is an alternate (non standard) syntax for declaring an array, which is allowed as a carry over from C (java is based on C), probably to ease the transition to java from C. You hardly ever see it used.

And by the way there's a third valid signature for the main method:

public static void main (String... args) {}

edited Aug 23 '13 at 16:43

answered Aug 22 '13 at 12:10

Bohemian

389,931
88
552
692

Worth nothing that the third option only works when the array is the last argument in the list. – Duncan Jones Aug 22 '13 at 12:11
1

@DuncanJones with the `main` method, there is only the array parameter – Bohemian Aug 22 '13 at 12:14
@Jones: You are right.But here it is always last element. – chintan Aug 22 '13 at 12:14
@Bohemian Yes... I know! :-) I'm just adding a note for future readers, who may think this is a completely synonymous replacement for the `Foo[] bar` or `Foo bar[]` syntax. – Duncan Jones Aug 22 '13 at 12:16

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 22 '13 at 12:16

1

In the public static void main(String args[])

args is an array of String type. So for declaring we do this ways String args[] or String []args

So both are same

answered Aug 22 '13 at 12:16

SpringLearner

13,546
20
71
113

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Aug 22 '13 at 12:10

0

Both of them have the same effect - they both declare an array. I find the first one far more readable. The second syntax was only added to help programmers who have come to Java from C.

answered Aug 22 '13 at 12:10

MD Sayem Ahmed

27,838
25
109
176

score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Aug 22 '13 at 12:10

0

Both will work correctly.They represent the arguments to command line. String array

answered Aug 22 '13 at 12:10

amudhan3093

752
9
17

Java Main Method, Parameters Differences

4 Answers4