how java can compile file if file name and class name are different? [closed]

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This file name is saved as abc.java but it can be compiled and generates xyz.class. Why is this possible?

class xyz {
    public static void main(String args[]) {
        System.out.println("hello ");
    }
}

Show some documentation or something that makes you think that this isn't possible. — takendarkk
– takendarkk, Commented Jul 31, 2014 at 14:26
possible duplicate of File name and class name different in java — Eel Lee
– Eel Lee, Commented Jul 31, 2014 at 14:26
And I think this question doesn't deserve so many downvotes. I guess that's why you should post a formatted question, because if it would be in this form from the beginning, it could get some upvotes, too. — Eel Lee
– Eel Lee, Commented Jul 31, 2014 at 14:32

Eel Lee · Accepted Answer · 2014-07-31 14:30:31Z

5

Because only public classes need to be named the same as the .java file. A class which isn't declared public can be kept in a file of a different name.

Edit: For a public class, javac would generate the following error:

abc.java:1: error: class xyz is public, should be declared in a file named xyz.java
public class xyz {
       ^
1 error

edited Jul 31, 2014 at 14:30

answered Jul 31, 2014 at 14:24

Eel Lee

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6 Comments

Unihedron Over a year ago

You didn't get any downvotes, actually. (Edit, apparently I'm just late.)

kolossus Over a year ago

@Unihedron - there were at first; I was surprised as well

Eel Lee Over a year ago

@Unihedron I did get a few, but apparently they backed off. It's not a perfect answer to not a perfect question... but it tells about the problem.

Suresh Atta Over a year ago

@EelLee You marked it as duplicate and answered it. Why ?

Eel Lee Over a year ago

@sᴜʀᴇsʜᴀᴛᴛᴀ I answered it first, then I thought it might be a duplicate question. BTW, is there anything wrong to answer in this case?

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