What keyword is used to define a constant in Java?

In Java, the keyword used to define a constant is "final." When a variable is declared as final, it means that once it has been assigned a value, that value cannot be changed. This is particularly important for defining constants that should remain fixed throughout the execution of the program, allowing developers to create immutable values that enhance code reliability and readability.

Using "final" conveys to anyone reading the code that the particular variable is intended as a constant. Additionally, it is a common practice to name constants in uppercase letters to clearly distinguish them from other variables, which emphasizes their immutable nature.

Other terms like "constant" and "const" are not valid keywords in Java. "Static" is a keyword that is used to indicate that a variable or method belongs to the class itself rather than instances of the class, and while static variables can be constants if combined with final, it does not on its own define a constant.