What is a keyword in Java?

A keyword in Java is a reserved word that has a specific meaning and purpose within the language. Keywords cannot be used as identifiers (like variable names, method names, or class names) because they are part of Java's syntax. Each keyword has a predefined function and plays a vital role in defining the structure and behavior of the Java program.

Examples of Common Java Keywords:

1. class: Defines a new class.

   public class Example { }

2. public: Specifies the access level for classes, methods, and variables (accessible from anywhere).

   public void method() { }

3. static: Indicates that a method or variable belongs to the class rather than instances of the class.

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

4. void: Specifies that a method does not return any value.

   public void display() { }

5. if: Used to create conditional statements.

   if (a > b) { }

Java has 52 Reserved Keywords, including:

• Control flow statements: if, else, for, while, switch, case
• Access modifiers: public, private, protected
• Data types: int, char, boolean, float, etc.
• Exception handling: try, catch, finally, throw, throws
• OOP keywords: class, extends, implements, this, super

Special Keywords:

• null, true, and false are not technically keywords but are reserved literals in Java.

Reference Sources:

• Oracle Java Documentation
• GeeksforGeeks: Java Keywords