Your First Java Program

This is the moment where Java stops being theory and starts becoming real. In this lesson, you will write and understand your first complete Java program.

Instead of memorizing syntax, we will focus on understanding how Java thinks, where execution begins, and how instructions flow inside a program.

How Java Knows Where to Start

Unlike scripting languages, Java does not guess where execution should begin. It follows a strict rule that every program must define a clear starting point.

This starting point tells the Java Virtual Machine exactly where to begin executing your code when the program runs.

That entry point is a special method called main. Without it, Java cannot execute any program.

A Simple but Complete Java Program

Let’s look at a small Java program. Although it prints only one message, it follows the same structure used in large enterprise applications.

Understanding this structure now will make advanced Java concepts much easier later.

public class FirstProgram {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Welcome to Java programming");
    }

}

Understanding Each Part of the Program

The keyword class defines a blueprint. Java programs are built using classes, and every executable program must be inside one.

The main method is the program’s entry point. When you run a Java program, execution always starts from this method.

Inside the main method, System.out.println sends output to the screen. This is how Java communicates results to the user.

Why This Structure Matters

Java enforces structure to make programs predictable, secure, and maintainable. This discipline is one reason Java is trusted for banking systems, enterprise software, and large-scale applications.

As programs grow, this same structure helps teams understand and maintain code easily.

What You Learned in This Lesson

• How Java identifies the starting point of a program
• The role of the main method
• How output is printed to the screen
• Why Java enforces strict structure

In the next lesson, you will start working with data types, which allows Java programs to store and process information.