Provide a common example of a command-line statement that illustrates the use of command-line-arguments.

Answer 1

Describe the purpose of command-line-arguments.

Answer 2

True or false? In Java, syntax provisions must be made in the method signature for the main method to accommodate command-line-arguments even if the remainder of the program is not designed to make use of them. If False, explain why.

Answer 3

Provide the method signature for the main method in a Java application that is designed to accommodate the use of command-line-arguments. Identify the part of the method signature that applies to command-line-arguments and explain how it works.

Answer 4

Explain how a Java application can determine the number of command-line-arguments actually entered by the user.

Answer 5

Write a program that illustrates the handling of command-line arguments in Java.

Answer 6

/*File SampProg11.java from module 32
Copyright 1997, R.G.Baldwin
Without reviewing the following solution, write a Java
application that illustrates the handling of command-line
arguments in Java.

Provide a termination message that displays your name.
**********************************************************/
class SampProg11 { //define the controlling class
  public static void main(String[] args){ //define main
    for(int i=0; i < args.length; i++)
      System.out.println( args[i] );
    System.out.println("Terminating, Dick Baldwin");     
  }//end main
}//End SampProg11 class.

Back to Question 6

The number of command-line arguments is equal to the number of elements in the array of references to String objects referred to by args . The number of elements is indicated by the value of the length property of the array. If the value is zero, the user didn't enter any command-line arguments.

Back to Question 5

The Java syntax for command-line arguments is shown below.

public static void main(String[] args){
. . . 
}//end main method

Each of the elements in the array object referred to by args (including the element at position zero) contains a reference to a String object that encapsulates one of the command-line arguments.

Back to Question 4

True.

Back to Question 3

Command-line-arguments are used in many programming and computing environments to provide information to the program at startup that it will need to fulfill its mission during that particular invocation.

Back to Question 2

DOS users will be familiar with commands such as the following:

copy fileA fileB

In this case, copy is the name of the program to be executed, while fileA and fileB are command-line arguments.

Back to Question 1