Why the below code snippet is not giving compile time error?

Question

After declaring a static final instance varibale, one ArrayList object is being assigned to it. But when I am adding one extra semi-colon, it is fine with the java compiler. Here is the code.

import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;

public class FinalExample {

    private static final List<String> foo = new ArrayList();; //double semicolons are fine with compiler

    public static void main(String[] args){
        System.out.println(FinalExample.foo);//Result is - []
    }

Are you expecting the empty statement to make the preceding assignment fail? — ernest_k, Jun 28 '18 at 10:31
I searched the [JLS](https://docs.oracle.com/javase/specs/jls/se10/html/index.html) for some insight. But in fact, I can only find a section about the [_empty statement_](https://docs.oracle.com/javase/specs/jls/se10/html/jls-14.html#jls-14.6), nothing about _empty declarations_. But be assured, it will be the same behavior. — Seelenvirtuose, Jun 28 '18 at 10:39

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 28 '18 at 10:34

1

A semicolon ends a statement. So when you give multiple semicolons in java the compiler thinks the second semicolon as en empty statement and does not complains for it.

answered Jun 28 '18 at 10:34

VKR

64
4

The double semicolon in the question is not at the end of a _statement_. It's at the end of a _class member declaration_. In fact, statements would be illegal at this place. – Seelenvirtuose Jun 28 '18 at 10:37
Isn't declaration a statement ? – Isuru Jun 28 '18 at 10:44
Not in this position, no. – user207421 Jun 28 '18 at 13:25

Why the below code snippet is not giving compile time error?

1 Answers1