Java Packages/Jars

[Silentstormz]

I don't know if I'm posting in the appropriate forum so moderator please move me if I'm not.

Hello fellow Java programmers,

I have a few questions on the fundamentals(?) of Java class/Jars we import to our programs.

First, I think I know the basic concept of importing a Jar into a program (somewhat): To instantiate objects of classes from the respective Jar to use their methods and more. Well, many imported classes have many useful methods and such to use for programs. I was given a concept of how many classes there are to a particular package, and the tons of methods there are within the classes. For a newbie Java programmer like myself, I'd like to know every method from every class so I could properly strategize what to import and use when making a program. The problem is the imports that contain "method tools" are soooooo expansive, perhaps endless? Well I'd like input from ya'll to see if that thought is somewhat true; is it really endless?

I would also really really appreciate any references to websites (or books) that elaborate on what particular imports (like java.lang, javax.swing , java.awt, java.util, etc.) contain and how the classes can be used in programs for begainners like me.

If my perception of imported Jars and such is wrong, please correct me because I'd love to learn. For those who do provide me great feedback, I do have cupcakes I'm willing to trade for knowledge!

Thanks for your time,
Silentstormz

[Norm]

Probably the new to java would be a better location.

Quote:

importing a Jar into a program

You don't do this. There's an error here in your thinking.
The import statement tells the compiler where it can look for class definitions. Classes are often placed in jar files for ease of control and usage, but they don't have to be.

Quote:

I'd like to know every method from every class

Start reading the API doc. Unless you are a very fast reader, you'll never make it. Start with the common ones and expand as needed.

[fishtoprecords]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm

Unless you are a very fast reader, you'll never make it. Start with the common ones and expand as needed.

I think Norm may be wrong here. Even if you are a very fast reader, folks add more libraries all the time. I don't think you can ever catch up.

[Supamagier]

I wish you very good luck: Java 2 Platform SE v1.3.1

There are ~2000 classes and each of them has at least 20 methods. That would make a total of ~40000 methods.

Have fun.

[Silentstormz]

yeah, now that I grasped a concept of an "API" and all that's out there....OMG...