How to Solve the java: cannot find symbol Error in Java for Beginners

Encountering the error `java: cannot find symbol` in Java? Our guide walks you through understanding and resolving it with clear solutions and examples.
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Understanding the java: cannot find symbol Error in Java

As a programmer, running into errors is part of the learning process, especially when you are transitioning from one programming language to another. If you are an intermediate Python programmer now dipping your toes into Java, you might come across some perplexing error messages. One such common error is the infamous java: cannot find symbol. This post will help you understand what this error means and how to resolve it effectively.

What Does the Error Mean?

The java: cannot find symbol error occurs when the Java compiler encounters a reference to a variable, method, class, or any other symbol that it does not recognize or cannot find. Here’s an example of this error in practice:

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In the example above, the Java compiler indicates that it cannot find the method SumOfTwoNumbers(int,int) in your Main class. This typically happens due to a few common mistakes, which we’ll detail below.

Analyzing the Code

Here’s the code snippet that caused the error:

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As you can see, the Main class is trying to create an instance of SumOfTwoNumbers using the constructor syntax (3, 2), thinking it can pass arguments to an object of that class. However, the SumOfTwoNumbers class does not have a constructor that matches this signature.

Resolving the Error

Solution 1: Using Static Method Correctly

If your intention is to use the method sum defined in SumOfTwoNumbers, you should call it statically since it is defined as a static method. You can do it like this:

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Solution 2: Creating an Instance of the Class

If you wish to instantiate the SumOfTwoNumbers class to use non-static features, you need to modify your class definition by removing the static keyword from the sum method. Here’s how you can do that:

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Then you can create an instance of SumOfTwoNumbers and call the sum method like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

When you encounter the java: cannot find symbol error, remember it’s usually due to issues related to method visibility (static vs. non-static) or incorrect references to classes and methods. By understanding how to properly instantiate classes or call static methods, you can navigate these issues with confidence. Happy coding as you continue your journey from Python to Java!