Smallest Number Example in Java

Introduction

Smallest Number is a classic Java console program that demonstrates the concept with complete source code and sample output. Calculation programs apply formulas to solve geometry, statistics and numeric problems.

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.

Smallest Number Example Program

public class SmallestNumber {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int[] array = {88,33,55,23,64,123};
        int smallnum = Integer.MAX_VALUE;
        for(int i =0;i array[i]) {
                smallnum = array[i];
            }
        }
        System.out.println("Smallest number in array is : " +smallnum);
    }
}

Sample Output

Smallest number in array is : 23

When to use

Use these formulas in homework tools, engineering calculators or anywhere repeated numeric computation is needed.

How it works

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

2. int[] array = {88,33,55,23,64,123}; updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

3. int smallnum = Integer.MAX_VALUE; updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

4. A loop repeats the block until its condition becomes false.

5. smallnum = array[i]; updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

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

7. Compare your console output with the sample output for Smallest Number 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.