In Java, the class keyword takes center stage when it comes to declaring a class. A class serves as a fundamental building block in object-oriented programming, encapsulating properties and methods within its structure. Let's delve into an example:

class Person {
    // Properties...
    // Methods...
}

In this context, the class Person mirrors an entity in the real world, embodying the essence of an individual. By leveraging the class keyword, you unlock the power of object-oriented design, paving the way for modular and organized Java programming.