[java] must declare a named package eclipse because this compilation unit is associated to the named module

I just downloaded eclipse for Java Yesterday but when I was trying to get make my first program, I kept on getting this error:

must declare a named package eclipse because this compilation unit is associated to the named module x. 

How do I fix this?

The "delete module-info.java at your Project Explorer tab" answer is the easiest and most straightforward answer, but

for those who would want a little more understanding or control of what's happening, the following alternate methods may be desirable;

• make an ever so slightly more realistic application; com.YourCompany.etc or just com.HelloWorld (Project name: com.HelloWorld and class name: HelloWorld)

or

• when creating the java project; when in the Create Java Project dialog, don't choose Finish but Next, and deselect Create module-info.java file

Reason of the error: Package name left blank while creating a class. This make use of default package. Thus causes this error.

Quick fix:

1. Create a package eg. helloWorld inside the src folder.
2. Move helloWorld.java file in that package. Just drag and drop on the package. Error should disappear.

Explanation:

• My Eclipse version: 2020-09 (4.17.0)
• My Java version: Java 15, 2020-09-15

Latest version of Eclipse required java11 or above. The module feature is introduced in java9 and onward. It was proposed in 2005 for Java7 but later suspended. Java is object oriented based. And module is the moduler approach which can be seen in language like C. It was harder to implement it, due to which it took long time for the release. Source: Understanding Java 9 Modules

When you create a new project in Eclipse then by default module feature is selected. And in Eclipse-2020-09-R, a pop-up appears which ask for creation of module-info.java file. If you select don't create then module-info.java will not create and your project will free from this issue.

Best practice is while crating project, after giving project name. Click on next button instead of finish. On next page at the bottom it ask for creation of module-info.java file. Select or deselect as per need.

If selected: (by default) click on finish button and give name for module. Now while creating a class don't forget to give package name. Whenever you create a class just give package name. Any name, just don't left it blank.

If deselect: No issue