Different Valid Forms of main() Method in Java

In Java, there are a few valid ways to declare the main() method. Below are the accepted forms with examples.

1. Standard Form

public class StandardMain {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Standard main method");
    }
}

2. String args[] (Array notation after name)

public class ArgsAfter {
    public static void main(String args[]) {
        System.out.println("Array after variable name");
    }
}

3. static public instead of public static

public class StaticPublicMain {
    static public void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Order of modifiers changed");
    }
}

4. Custom name for args

public class CustomArgsName {
    public static void main(String[] myInput) {
        System.out.println("Custom argument name: " + myInput.length);
    }
}

❌ Invalid Forms (Will NOT Work)

// Missing static
public class MissingStatic {
    public void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("This will not run");
    }
}

📝 Summary Table

Declaration	Valid?	Notes
public static void main(String[] args)	✅	Standard and preferred
public static void main(String args[])	✅	Array notation position doesn't matter
static public void main(String[] args)	✅	Order of modifiers doesn't matter
public static void main(String[] input)	✅	Parameter name can be anything
public void main(String[] args)	❌	Missing `static`
static void main(String[] args)	❌	Missing `public`

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