1.11. Java Documentation

All Java class libraries are documented and available online. Here are two good resources for you to use:

• JavaDoc The Javadoconline website provides a nice searchable interface. Search for a classname and you will get the documentation you are looking for.

• JavaAPI contains the same information but in a browsable format. If you don’t know the class name exactly this is a good way to see what is close.

In general the Javadoc page for any class contains information about:

• Where this class falls in the class hierarchy. What classes are its parents and what classes are its decendents.

• A summary and some examples of using the class.

• A summary listing of instance variables

• A summary listing of Constructors

• A summary listing of Methods

• Detailed documentation on constructors and methods.

Typically the Javadoc pages are constructed from the source code where the class is implemented. This encourages Java programmers to do a good job of documenting their code, while providing a user friendly way to read the documentation without looking at the code directly.

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