Java Pocket Guide

Preface

Designed to be your companion in the office, in the lab, or even on the road, this pocket guide provides a quick reference to the standard features of the Java™ programming language and its platform.

This pocket guide provides you with the information you will need while developing or debugging your Java programs, including helpful programming examples, tables, figures, and lists.

It also contains supplemental information about things such as the new Java Scripting API, third-party tools, and the basics of the Unified Modeling Language (UML).

Coverage is provided through the Java 6 Platform.

Book Structure

This book is broken into two sections: language and platform. Chapters Chapter 1 through Chapter 8 detail the Java programming language as derived from the Java Language Specification (JLS). Chapters Chapter 9 through Chapter 18 detail Java platform components and related topics.

Font Conventions

Italic: Denotes filenames, file extensions (such as .java), and directory paths.
Constant width: Denotes class names, types, methods, data members, commands, properties, and values.
Constant width italic: Indicates user-supplied values.

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Authors

Robert Liguori is a Senior Software Engineer for Management, Engineering and Technology Associates, Inc. Patricia Liguori is a Lead Information Systems Engineer for The MITRE Corporation. The authors may be contacted in regards to comments, questions, or errata found in this book at jpg@gliesian.com.

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Acknowledgments

We extend a special thank you to our editor, Mike Loukides. His Java prowess, responsiveness, and ongoing collaboration have made writing this book an enjoyable experience.

Appreciation goes out to our technical reviewers and supporters: Mary-Ann Boyce, Kelly Connolly, Edward Finegan, David Flanagan, David King, Chris Magrin, Confesor Santiago, Wayne Smith, Martin Suech, and our families.