Which of the following indicates the starting point of running a Java program?

The starting point of running a Java program is defined by the main method, which is always declared as public static void main(String[] args). This method serves as the entry point for the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) when executing an application. The JVM looks for this specific method signature to know where to begin execution.

In Java, the method name "main" is not arbitrary but a requirement defined by the Java language specifications. It indicates to the JVM that this method should be invoked first when the program starts. The method is made public so that it can be accessed by the JVM from anywhere, static so that it can be called without creating an instance of the class, and has a void return type because it does not return any value. The parameter String[] args allows for command-line arguments to be passed to the program when it is executed.

Understanding the role of the main method is crucial for anyone learning Java programming, as it sets the foundation for how programs are structured and run within the Java environment.