Where should the main method ideally be placed within the Java class?

The main method in a Java class is typically placed at the bottom of the class. This convention helps improve code readability and organization. By placing the main method last, programmers encounter it after reading the class's members (such as fields and methods) which are usually defined first. This flow allows readers to understand the function and structure of the class before seeing how it is executed.

While technically, the main method can be placed anywhere within the class, adhering to this convention fosters better coding practices. It helps other developers (or even the original author when revisiting the code later) to quickly grasp the functionality of the program. Furthermore, having the main method at the bottom keeps it separate from the logic of the class, allowing for a cleaner and more structured codebase.