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Thread: import question

  1. #1
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    Default import question

    I see you can import in 2 ways:

    import java.util.*;

    or

    import java.util.Scanner/Random/etc;

    if I used the first one it imports all the librarys within that (directory?). If so would that add to a bigger file size?

    - Nicky


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    Super Moderator Norm's Avatar
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    Default Re: import question

    would that add to a bigger file size?
    No. I think of the import statement as an extension of the classpath. It tells the compiler where to look for class definitions. It does not cause more class files to be included in your class file.
    If you don't understand my answer, don't ignore it, ask a question.

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    Default Re: import question

    Quote Originally Posted by Norm View Post
    No. I think of the import statement as an extension of the classpath. It tells the compiler where to look for class definitions. It does not cause more class files to be included in your class file.
    Better question then: why does Java bother with importing and not integrate it in already?

    - Nicky

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    Default Re: import question

    To allow the user to select which classes are to be used.
    If you don't understand my answer, don't ignore it, ask a question.

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    Default Re: import question


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    Default Re: import question

    Just personal preference here, but I find importing only the classes you need
    is more logical than importing the entire library. For example, most console based
    Java applications will at a minimum have about two imports depending on what is going on.

    Swing and AWT development is different, and in those situations, unless the programmer is
    learning each class individually, then it does make sense to import the whole library.

    Just my two cents

    Wishes Ada xx
    If to Err is human - then programmers are most human of us all.
    "The Analytical Engine offers a new, a vast, and a powerful language . . .
    for the purposes of mankind
    ."
    Augusta Ada Byron, Lady Lovelace (1851)

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    Default Re: import question

    My preference has everything to do with the IDE I am, or am not using. Eclipse, Netbeans, etc. can maintain and primp the imports list to any degree. Why not let them handle this grunt work?

    If I'm hacking a little thing in a text editor, I'm going to boilerplate all the java.lang.*; and what-have-you as early as possible and leave it that way.

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