API Documentation
Learning Java is more about learning the API than learning programming syntax. Recall that Java is a
descendant of many other programming languages. It was created to be simple and familiar. It was designed
from programming languages you may already know, like C++. However, its power comes from the wealth of
classes and other programming components already provided in the Java libraries.
Memorizing the Java API is impossible. Even remembering a significant chunk of it is a mean task. To help
you be able to find and utilize the many predefined Java components, Java comes with easy-to-use
documentation. You will use this documentation today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your Java career.
The best place to get started on the API is with the “index.html” file found in the “docs” folder under the
JDK. The Java documentation, “Java Docs” for short, is a separate download from Sun. The docs folder
under the JDK is its conventional location; however, you can put Javadocs anywhere. In fact, a copy is also
available online from Sun, if you prefer (http://java.sun.com/javase/6/docs/api). Because you will use Javadocs
often, it is usually handy to add it to your favorites for easy access when you fire up your browser. Some of
the labs in this class require you to use a lot of the Java API. Some labs intentionally leave out details to force
you to continue to use the Javadocs. Java is way too big to cover in five days, so this is one of the resources
you can use to continue to learn Java after the class is finished.
How do you use Javadocs? Using a browser, open the index.html file found in the JDK’s docs folder.
The panel on the upper left lists all the packages available in the Java SE environment.
If you take a look at it, you will see that there are many packages available in Java.
The lower left panel lists all of the resources in Java or in a selected package. Scrolling through this list can
become either overwhelming or encouraging. The good news is that someone wrote a bunch of stuff you can
use. The bad news is that you have quite a bit to learn how to use.
The right panel is where you do most of your reading and research on how to use a Java component.
The right panel contains information about the available classes and methods.
Unlike traditional help, this documentation does not include a search tool. You can search the API folder
using any search program on the system you are using.
The index link on the top of the right panel also provides an alphabetical link to all the resources (classes,
methods, and more) available.
Learning Java is more about learning the API than learning programming syntax. Recall that Java is a
descendant of many other programming languages. It was created to be simple and familiar. It was designed
from programming languages you may already know, like C++. However, its power comes from the wealth of
classes and other programming components already provided in the Java libraries.
Memorizing the Java API is impossible. Even remembering a significant chunk of it is a mean task. To help
you be able to find and utilize the many predefined Java components, Java comes with easy-to-use
documentation. You will use this documentation today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your Java career.
The best place to get started on the API is with the “index.html” file found in the “docs” folder under the
JDK. The Java documentation, “Java Docs” for short, is a separate download from Sun. The docs folder
under the JDK is its conventional location; however, you can put Javadocs anywhere. In fact, a copy is also
available online from Sun, if you prefer (http://java.sun.com/javase/6/docs/api). Because you will use Javadocs
often, it is usually handy to add it to your favorites for easy access when you fire up your browser. Some of
the labs in this class require you to use a lot of the Java API. Some labs intentionally leave out details to force
you to continue to use the Javadocs. Java is way too big to cover in five days, so this is one of the resources
you can use to continue to learn Java after the class is finished.
How do you use Javadocs? Using a browser, open the index.html file found in the JDK’s docs folder.
The panel on the upper left lists all the packages available in the Java SE environment.
If you take a look at it, you will see that there are many packages available in Java.
The lower left panel lists all of the resources in Java or in a selected package. Scrolling through this list can
become either overwhelming or encouraging. The good news is that someone wrote a bunch of stuff you can
use. The bad news is that you have quite a bit to learn how to use.
The right panel is where you do most of your reading and research on how to use a Java component.
The right panel contains information about the available classes and methods.
Unlike traditional help, this documentation does not include a search tool. You can search the API folder
using any search program on the system you are using.
The index link on the top of the right panel also provides an alphabetical link to all the resources (classes,
methods, and more) available.
API Documentation
Table of Contents
Copyright (c) 2008. Intertech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is to be used exclusively as an
online learning aid. Any attempts to copy, reproduce, or use for training is strictly prohibited.
online learning aid. Any attempts to copy, reproduce, or use for training is strictly prohibited.
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