commons-lang/DEVELOPERS-GUIDE.html

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<title>Developers guide for Jakarta Commons "Lang" Package</title>
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<h1>The Jakarta Commons <em>Lang</em> Package</h1>
<h2>Developers Guide</h2>
$Id: DEVELOPERS-GUIDE.html,v 1.2 2003/07/30 23:54:33 bayard Exp $<br />
<a href="#Introduction">[Introduction]</a>
<a href="#PackageStructure">[Package Structure]</a>
<a href="#UtilityClasses">[Utility Classes]</a>
<a href="#Javadoc">[Javadoc]</a>
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<a name="Introduction"></a>
<h3>1. INTRODUCTION</h3>
<p>The <em>Lang</em> package contains a set of Java classes that extend
the basic JDK classes. This developers guide seeks to set
out rules for the naming of classes and methods within the package. The purpose
of this, as with all naming standards, is to improve the coherency and
consistency of the whole API.</p>
<p>The philosophy of the naming standards is to follow those of the JDK
if possible.</p>
<a name="PackageStructure"></a>
<h3>2. PACKAGE STRUCTURE</h3>
<p>The main package for Lang is <code>org.apache.commons.lang</code>. Subpackages should
be created for each group of related items. </p>
<p>Each package should have a <code>package.html</code> file for javadoc. This should
describe the use of the package and its scope.</p>
<a name="UtilityClasses"></a>
<h3>3. UTILITY CLASSES</h3>
<p>Utility classes provide additional functionality around a class or interface.
Examples include StringUtils and SerializationUtils.</p>
<p>Each class shall follow the naming pattern XxxUtils where Xxx relates to the
class or interface that the utility services. Variations on a theme (<code>Integer</code>
as opposed to <code>Number</code>) should be dealt with in one Utils class where possible.
Each Utils class shall:</p>
<ul>
<li>be a single, static method based, class</li>
<li>have a name consisting of the interface name plus 'Utils'</li>
<li>deal with one class or interface and its variations (subclasses)</li>
<li>provide methods that perform useful utility functions</li>
<li>the class will not be final</li>
</ul>
<p>A utility class can act as a factory for specific implementations of a class or
interface. In such cases the implementations should be non-public, static, inner classes
of the utility class. However, if warranted due to maintenance or other reasons, these
decorator classes may be moved to top-level classes in a subpackage. The
naming of such a subpackage should be discussed and agreed upon on the
developers mailing list.</p>
<a name="Javadoc"></a>
<h3>4. JAVADOC</h3>
<p>The Sun javadoc guidelines are the starting point for Lang. These points are
an extension to make it easier for users reading the generated
docs and developers with javadoc-popup capabilities from within their IDE.</p>
<h4>General</h4>
<p>References to other objects, interfaces or methods use the @link-tag the
first time it is referenced in a class or interface. On the following
references always enclose it inside &lt;code&gt;&lt;/code&gt;.</p>
<p>References to <code>null</code>, <code>this</code>, <code>long</code>,
<code>int</code>, <code>short</code>, <code>char</code>, <code>byte</code>,
<code>double</code>, <code>float</code> and <code>boolean</code> should be enclosed
in &lt;code&gt;&lt;/code&gt;.</p>
<h4>Classes/Interfaces/Methods</h4>
<p>Use a short description of what the class/interface/method is used for,
enclose with &lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;.</p>
<p>A longer description about what the class/interface/method is used for
and if it is needed how it is done. If it is nessesary include
description of the parameters, what they are used for and how. Enclose
with &lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; where it is needed, try to divide into smaller parts (not
to small!) to enhance readability of the generated Javadoc.</p>
<p>If an example is needed enclose it with &lt;pre&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;.
It should be supported with an explanation within a normal paragraph.</p>
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