The "Editor Does Not Contain A Main Type" Error: How To Fix It

Introduction

If you’re a software developer, you’ve probably encountered the dreaded “Editor does not contain a main type” error at some point in your career. This error typically occurs when you try to run a Java program, and it can be frustrating to deal with, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing it. In this article, we’ll explain what this error means and provide you with some tips on how to fix it.

What Does the Error Mean?

The “Editor does not contain a main type” error occurs when you try to run a Java program that doesn’t have a main method. The main method is the entry point of a Java program, and it tells the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) where to start executing the code. If your program doesn’t have a main method, the JVM doesn’t know where to start, and it throws the “Editor does not contain a main type” error.

Common Causes of the Error

There are several reasons why you might see this error message. Here are some of the most common causes:

Missing Main Method

As mentioned earlier, the most common cause of this error is a missing main method. If your program doesn’t have a main method, you’ll see this error message when you try to run it.

Incorrect Main Method Signature

Another common cause of this error is an incorrect main method signature. The main method should have the following signature: public static void main(String[] args) If your main method has a different signature, the JVM won’t recognize it as the entry point of your program, and you’ll see the “Editor does not contain a main type” error.

Incorrect Project Configuration

Sometimes, the error can be caused by an incorrect project configuration. For example, if you’re using an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) like Eclipse or IntelliJ IDEA, you might have set up your project incorrectly, which can cause the error to occur.

How to Fix the Error

Now that you know what causes the “Editor does not contain a main type” error, let’s take a look at how to fix it.

Add a Main Method

The easiest way to fix this error is to add a main method to your Java program. Simply add the following code to your program: public static void main(String[] args) { } Make sure that your main method has the correct signature, as mentioned earlier.

Check the Main Method Signature

If you already have a main method in your program, double-check that it has the correct signature. Make sure that the method is declared as public, static, and void, and that it takes an array of strings as its only parameter.

Check Your Project Configuration

If neither of the above solutions work, the problem might be with your project configuration. Double-check that your project is set up correctly, and that your IDE is configured to use the correct JDK (Java Development Kit).

Conclusion

The “Editor does not contain a main type” error can be frustrating to deal with, but it’s usually easy to fix. By adding a main method to your program, checking the main method signature, and double-checking your project configuration, you should be able to get your Java program up and running in no time.