What is a "driver class"?

45    Asked by JosephCharlesworth in Java , Asked on Aug 16, 2025

What does the term “driver class” mean in programming, and how is it used to execute or test other classes? How does it help in organizing and running a program efficiently?

Answered by Jane Fisher

A driver class in programming is a special class whose main purpose is to execute or test other classes. It usually contains the main method (in languages like Java or C++) and acts as the entry point of a program. Instead of containing the actual business logic, the driver class is responsible for creating objects, calling methods, and showing how different parts of the program work together.

Here’s what makes a driver class useful:

  • Entry Point: In Java, the driver class typically has the public static void main(String[] args) method, which serves as the starting point of the program.
  • Testing: Developers often use a driver class to test other classes. For example, after writing a Student class, you might write a StudentDriver class to create student objects and test their methods.
  • Separation of Concerns: By keeping the logic in one class and the execution/testing in another, programs become cleaner and more organized.
  • Demonstration: A driver class is helpful when demonstrating how different classes interact, making it easier to understand the program flow.

Example in Java:

public class Student {
    String name;
    Student(String name) {
        this.name = name;
    }
    void display() {
        System.out.println("Student name: " + name);
    }
}
public class StudentDriver {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Student s1 = new Student("Alice");
        s1.display();
    }
}

In short, a driver class acts as the “controller” that drives the execution of your program. It doesn’t usually hold logic itself but instead coordinates how the other classes and methods are used.



Your Answer

Interviews

Parent Categories