What is a Syntax Error Message in Java?

A syntax error message in Java is a message displayed by the compiler when it encounters code that violates the rules of the Java programming language.

How Syntax Errors Occur

• Missing Semicolons: Java requires a semicolon (;) at the end of most statements.
• Incorrect Brackets: Parentheses, curly braces, and square brackets must be balanced and used correctly.
• Misspelled Keywords: Java keywords like public, class, and int must be spelled correctly.
• Invalid Variable Names: Variable names must start with a letter or underscore and can only contain letters, digits, and underscores.
• Missing or Incorrect Operators: Operators like +, -, *, and / must be used correctly.

Understanding Syntax Error Messages

Syntax error messages typically provide information about the location of the error and a description of the problem. For example:

class MyClass {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    int x = 5;
    System.out.println("Hello, world!" 
  }
}

The compiler might output an error message like this:

MyClass.java:5: error: ';' expected
    System.out.println("Hello, world!" 
                         ^

This message indicates that a semicolon is missing at the end of the println statement on line 5.

Resolving Syntax Errors

To resolve syntax errors, carefully examine the error message and the surrounding code. Look for missing or incorrect characters, typos, or other violations of Java syntax.