Java Style Guide

[Stef Widmer]

Hi all
Since now I've used the array declaration form of:

Type[] Name e.g.
char[] buf.

Also in most Java books I've seen the follwing signature for the main methode :

 public static void main(String[] args) { } 

.
But now I found the follwing in Suns Java Coding Style Guide from Achut Reddy:

8.1.3 Array declarations
The brackets [] in array declarations should immediately follow the array name, not the type. The exception
is for method return values, where there is no separate name; in this case the brackets immediately
follow the type:
 
char[] buf;           // WRONG
char buf[];           // RIGHT
String[] getNames() { // RIGHT, method return value
 
There should never be a space before the opening bracket [.

What notation are you using? Is this realy an issue?
Thanks for all response.
Cheers
Stef

[ July 13, 2004: Message edited by: Stef Widmer ]

[ July 13, 2004: Message edited by: Stef Widmer ]
[ July 13, 2004: Message edited by: Stef Widmer ]

[Jan Rotthaus]

Hi Stef,

In Sun's Code Conventions for the Java Programming Language I don't find anything on the declaration of arrays. In my opinion you should always have a Style Guide and for the certification assignment I would adhere to Sun's Style Guide. As far as your declaration question is concerned: The most important thing is, that your array declarations are consistent (I personally prefer

long[] foo

to

long foo[]

).

Just my $0.02,

Jan

[Weerawit Maneepongsawat]

http://java.sun.com/docs/codeconv/html/CodeConventions.doc10.html#182

See in example...

  
/** instanceVar3 documentation comment */
    private Object[] instanceVar3;

hope that help.
[ July 13, 2004: Message edited by: Weerawit Maneepongsawat ]

[Jon Entwistle]

Hi,

I understood the convention to be placing the brackets after the type for readability issues - e.g. int myMethod()[] is a lot more difficult to read than int[] myMethod.

As far as I know, allowing the brackets after the variable is really a concession for those migrating from C.

Regards,

Jon

[Stef Widmer]

Hi,
the PDF I've found comes from SUN's site, here's the URL: Java Coding Style Guide
. You'll find the array declaration in section "8.1.3 Array declarations".
Perhabs it's an out dated version. But why'is it than still on Sun's site?
However, it's maybe not worth spending to much time on this issue...

Cheers
Stef
[ July 13, 2004: Message edited by: Stef Widmer ]