How does this code work? ("static" keyword)

[aplusc]

I came across this code with a very bizzare syntax, but apparently it compiles and runs without an error:

class z{
z(String s){
System.out.println(s);
System.exit(0);
}
static{new z("Hello, World!"}
}

I understand everything that happens in the constructor, but what's going on with

static{new z("Hello, World!"}

...? Is this some kind of a shot-hand syntax for public static void main() ?

 

[palbano]

>> Is this some kind of a shot-hand syntax for public
>> static void main()

Well no since you have no access to the process command line. It's just a static code block which by definition is executed at initialization as are all things static.

-pete