Print Time Example in Java

Introduction

Print Time is a classic Java console program that demonstrates the concept with complete source code and sample output. Practical numeric and utility programs — primes, factorial, palindrome and similar classics.

This tutorial walks through the program line by line, explains how the logic works, and highlights best practices you can apply in your own code.

Syntax

GregorianCalendar Variable_name1 = new GregorianCalendar();
Variable_name2 = date.get(Calendar.SECOND);
Variable_name3 = date.get(Calendar.MINUTE);
Variable_name4 = date.get(Calendar.HOUR);

Print Time Example Program

import java.util.*;
 
class PrintTime{
	public static void main(String args[]){
		int day, month, year;
		int second, minute, hour;
		GregorianCalendar date = new GregorianCalendar();
		second = date.get(Calendar.SECOND);
		minute = date.get(Calendar.MINUTE);
		hour = date.get(Calendar.HOUR);
		System.out.println("Current time is  "+hour+" : "+minute+" : "+second);
	}
}

Sample Output

Current time is  1 : 2 : 28

When to use

Use this print time example when learning or revising core Java syntax.

How it works

1. Execution begins in the main method — the JVM calls this method when you run the class.

2. import java.util.*; imports a class used later in the program.

3. GregorianCalendar date = new GregorianCalendar(); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

4. second = date.get(Calendar.SECOND); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

5. minute = date.get(Calendar.MINUTE); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

6. hour = date.get(Calendar.HOUR); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

7. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

8. Compare your console output with the sample output for Print Time to confirm the program behaves correctly.

Best Practices

• Use meaningful variable and class names that describe their purpose.
• Compile and run the program locally — modify values to see how output changes.
• Read compiler errors carefully; they usually point to the exact line to fix.

Common Mistakes

• Copying code without understanding each line — practice by changing one statement at a time.
• Mismatching the public class name and the .java filename.
• Forgetting semicolons at the end of statements.