What does the class header in a Java program specify?

The class header in a Java program defines essential attributes of the class, particularly its visibility and name. Visibility indicates the access level of the class, determining whether it is public, private, protected, or package-private, which influences how other classes and packages can interact with it. The name following the visibility modifier is how the class is referenced throughout the code.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it establishes the framework for how other components of the program can access and utilize this class. The header does not specify the variables or methods within the class—that information is detailed separately in the class body. Furthermore, the location of the file on the disk is handled by the file system and not specified within the class header. This clarity regarding the role of the class header helps developers structure their Java programs effectively.