Transpose of a Matrix Example in Java

Introduction

Transpose Of A Matrix 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.

Definition

Thw transpose of a matrix A is another matrix A^T created by any one of the following equivalent actions: Reflect A over its main diagonal (which runs from top-left to bottom-right) to obtain A^T; Write the rows of A as the columns of AT; Write the columns of A as the rows of AT. Formally, the i th row, j th column element of AT is the j th row, i th column element of A.

Transpose Of A Matrix Example Program

import java.util.Scanner;
 
class TransposeOfMatrix{
	public static void main(String args[]){
		int row, column;
		Scanner in = new Scanner(System.in);
		System.out.println("Enter the number of rows and columns of matrix");
		row = in.nextInt();
		column = in.nextInt();
		int matrix[][] = new int[row][column];
		System.out.println("Enter the elements of matrix");
		for (int i = 0 ; i < row ; i++ )
			for ( int j = 0 ; j < column ; j++ )
				matrix[i][j] = in.nextInt();
		int transpose[][] = new int[column][row];
		for (int i = 0 ; i < row ; i++ ){
			for (int j = 0 ; j < column ; j++ ){               
				transpose[j][i] = matrix[i][j]; 
			}
		}
		System.out.println("Transpose of entered matrix:-");
		for (int i = 0 ; i < column ; i++ ){
			for (int j = 0 ; j < row ; j++ ){
				System.out.print(transpose[i][j]+"\t");
			}
				System.out.print("\n");
		}
	}
}

Sample Output

Enter the number of rows and columns of matrix
3
3
Enter the elements of matrix
45
67
3
7
9
23
45
12
23
Transpose of entered matrix:-
45      7       45
67      9       12
3       23      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. import java.util.Scanner; imports a class used later in the program.

3. A Scanner reads typed input from the keyboard (System.in).

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

5. row = in.nextInt(); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

6. column = in.nextInt(); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

7. int matrix[][] = new int[row][column]; updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

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

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.