Understanding Java in NetBeans: Applications, Projects, Packages, Classes, and
Main Class
NetBeans is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that simplifies Java development.
Let's break down the components step by step and understand how they work together.
1. Java Application in NetBeans
A Java application is a software program written in Java. In NetBeans, applications are organized
into projects that contain multiple packages, classes, and other resources.
2. Java Project in NetBeans
A project in NetBeans is a container for Java applications. It contains:
• Source Packages (stores your Java source files)
• Libraries (external JARs and dependencies)
• Configuration files (settings, properties)
When you create a new Java project, NetBeans automatically sets up the folder structure for you.
3. Java Packages in NetBeans
A package in Java is a way to group related classes and avoid naming conflicts. It is like a folder
where Java classes are stored.
Example:
com.mycompany.app
• com → Top-level domain
• mycompany → Company name
• app → Application name
To create a package in NetBeans:
1. Right-click on the Source Packages folder.
2. Click New → Java Package
3. Give it a name (e.g., mypackage)
4. Java Classes in NetBeans
A class is a blueprint for creating objects. Each Java program consists of multiple classes.
To create a class in NetBeans:
1. Right-click on your package (e.g., mypackage).
2. Click New → Java Class
3. Name the class (e.g., MyClass).
Example:
package mypackage;
public class MyClass {
public void sayHello() {
System.out.println("Hello from MyClass!");
}
}
5. Main Class in Java
The main class is the entry point of a Java program. It contains the main() method, where
execution begins.
Example:
package mypackage;
public class MainClass {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("This is the main class.");
// Creating an object of MyClass and calling the method
MyClass obj = new MyClass();
obj.sayHello();
}
}
Explanation:
• The main() method runs first when you execute the program.
• It creates an object of MyClass and calls the sayHello() method.
6. Running the Project in NetBeans
1. Click on Run → Run Project (or press Shift + F6).
2. NetBeans automatically finds the main class and executes it.
Output:
This is the main class.
Hello from MyClass!
Summary
• Project: Contains all Java files.
• Packages: Organize Java classes.
• Classes: Contain code and methods.
• Main Class: The entry point where execution starts.
Would you like a more advanced example, like a GUI project in NetBeans?