How To Use This Quick Reference

The quick-reference 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 reference is organized and how to read the individual quick-ref entries.

1. Finding a Quick Reference Entry

The quick reference 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 reference 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 reference entry for a particular class, you must also know the name of the package that contains that class. Usually, the package name is obvious from the context, and you should have no trouble looking up the quick-reference 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 package it is part of.