multi-dimensional array question

[Joe McGuire]

I have an interesting question that arose while trying to help someone in another forum.
The following code:
int[][] a = { { 1 , 2 } , { 1 , 2 } } ;
compiles, of course, without problem.
However, if we split the declaration and the initialization, it fails:
int[][] a ;
a = { { 1 , 2 } , { 1 , 2 } } ;
In single-dimensional arrays this is no problem. Why doesn't it work with multi-dimensional arrays?

[Mike Curwen]

If you try to do this:

int []a; 
a = {1,2,3};

it gives an 'illegal start of expression' for the opening brace.

I think this syntax can only be used during declarative initialization. Otherwise, you must explicity initialize each array element (and this goes for both 1 and n-dimensional arrays.)

[rani bedi]

Array constants can only be used in initializers.