- A
It must be declared void.
Correct. The main method must have a void return type; returning a value is not allowed.
- B
It must be declared static.
Correct. The main method must be declared static so the JVM can call it without creating an instance of the class.
- C
It must be declared public.
Correct. The main method must be public to be accessible by the JVM.
- D
It must return an int.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The main method must not return an int; its return type must be void.
- E
It can be overloaded.
Correct. Overloading the main method is syntactically allowed, though only the standard signature serves as the entry point.
Question 50 of 509
1Z0-811 Java Basics and Syntax Practice Question
This 1Z0-811 practice question tests your understanding of java basics and syntax. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which THREE statements about the main method are correct? (Choose three.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It must be declared void.
Options A, B, and C are correct because the main method must be declared void, static, and public for the JVM to invoke it as the entry point of a program. Option E is also correct: Java allows overloading of the main method; you can define multiple main methods with different parameter lists, but only the one with the standard signature `public static void main(String[] args)` is used as the program entry point. Option D is incorrect because the main method must not return a value; its return type must be void.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
It must be declared void.
Why this is correct
Correct. The main method must have a void return type; returning a value is not allowed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
It must be declared static.
Why this is correct
Correct. The main method must be declared static so the JVM can call it without creating an instance of the class.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
It must be declared public.
Why this is correct
Correct. The main method must be public to be accessible by the JVM.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
It must return an int.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The main method must not return an int; its return type must be void.
- ✓
It can be overloaded.
Why this is correct
Correct. Overloading the main method is syntactically allowed, though only the standard signature serves as the entry point.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Oracle often tests the misconception that the main method cannot be overloaded, but the trap is that overloading is syntactically allowed, even though only the standard signature serves as the program entry point.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The main method signature is strictly defined by the Java Language Specification (JLS) as 'public static void main(String[] args)'. The JVM uses reflection to locate this exact method; if it is missing or has a different signature (e.g., returning int), a runtime error occurs. Overloading the main method is allowed but does not affect the entry point; it is often used for testing or alternative invocation within the same class.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 1Z0-811 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 1Z0-811 question test?
Java Basics and Syntax — This question tests Java Basics and Syntax — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It must be declared void. — Options A, B, and C are correct because the main method must be declared void, static, and public for the JVM to invoke it as the entry point of a program. Option E is also correct: Java allows overloading of the main method; you can define multiple main methods with different parameter lists, but only the one with the standard signature `public static void main(String[] args)` is used as the program entry point. Option D is incorrect because the main method must not return a value; its return type must be void.
What should I do if I get this 1Z0-811 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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