Java Foundation Classes in a Nutshell

How To Use This

Quick Reference

The quick-refer ence section that follows packs a lot of information into a small

space. This introduction explains how to get the most out of that information. It

describes how the quick refer ence is organized and how to read the individual

quick-r ef entries.

Finding a Quick Reference Entry

The quick refer ence is organized into chapters, one per package. Each chapter

begins with an overview of the package and includes a hierarchy diagram for the

classes and interfaces in the package. Following this overview are quick refer ence

entries for all of the classes and interfaces in the package.

Entries are organized alphabetically by class and package name, so that related

classes are grouped near each other. Thus, in order to look up a quick refer ence

entry for a particular class, you must also know the name of the package that con-

tains that class. Usually, the package name is obvious from the context, and you

should have no trouble looking up the quick-refer ence entry you want. Use the

tabs on the outside edge of the book and the “dictionary-style” headers on the

upper outside corner of each page to help you find the package and class you are

looking for.

Occasionally, you may need to look up a class for which you do not already know

the package. In this case, refer to Chapter 36, Class Index. This index allows you

to look up a class by class name and find out what ...