📦 Java Packages – Full Beginner to Advanced
Explanation
✅ 1. What is a Package in Java?
A package is a way to organize related classes and interfaces together into one unit. Think of it
like a folder on your computer that contains all the Java files for a specific module or feature.
📁 For example, a package called math might contain classes like Calculator, Geometry, and
Algebra.
✅ 2. Why Do We Use Packages? (Purpose)
Java packages help you:
Organize code better: You can group similar classes together.
Avoid name conflicts: Two classes with the same name can exist in different packages.
Reuse code easily: You can import and use a package in many projects.
Hide internal classes: Use access modifiers to control visibility.
Collaborate in teams: Developers can work on separate packages without code
collisions.
✅ 3. Types of Packages
There are two main types:
🔹 a) Built-in Packages
These come with Java, and you can import them anytime.
Examples:
[Link] → Scanner, ArrayList, HashMap
[Link] → FileReader, BufferedReader
[Link] → String, Math, Object (this one is auto-imported)
🔹 b) User-defined Packages
These are packages you create yourself in your project.
package [Link];
public class Helper {
public static void help() {
[Link]("Helping...");
}
}
✅ 4. How to Create a Package
To create a package in Java:
Use the package keyword at the top of the file.
The folder name must match the package name.
🧾 Example:
// File: tools/[Link]
package tools;
public class Message {
public void show() {
[Link]("Hello from tools package!");
}
}
💡 Always keep the Java file in the same folder as the package name (tools/ in this case).
✅ 5. Using a Package in Another Class
To use a class from a package, you use the import keyword:
import [Link];
public class Test {
public static void main(String[] args) {
Message m = new Message();
[Link]();
}
}
💡 Java will look for a folder named tools with a class Message inside it.
✅ 6. Compiling and Running Java with Packages
When you use packages, compile using:
javac -d . [Link] # creates folders based on package name
Run using the full class name:
java [Link]
-d . tells the compiler to create folders (directories) as needed based on the package structure.
✅ 7. Package Naming Conventions
Follow these rules for naming packages:
Use all lowercase letters.
Use reverse domain name for unique naming (e.g., [Link]).
Use short, meaningful names.
Examples:
[Link]
[Link]
✅ 8. Importing Packages
You can import classes from other packages in two ways:
a) Import one class
import [Link];
b) Import all classes
import [Link].*; // imports all classes like Scanner, ArrayList, etc.
Note: Importing all classes using * does not include sub-packages.
✅ 9. Static Import
Java allows you to import static methods/fields directly using import static.
import static [Link].*;
public class Example {
public static void main(String[] args) {
[Link](sqrt(25)); // no need to write [Link]()
}
}
✅ 10. Sub-Packages
A sub-package is just a package inside another package.
package [Link];
In folder form:
myapp/
└── utils/
└── tools/
└── [Link]
💡 You must import sub-packages manually — Java does not auto-import them.
✅ 11. Access Control with Packages
Java uses access modifiers to control class/method visibility across packages:
Access Modifier Visible in Same Package Visible in Other Packages
public ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
protected ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (only in subclasses)
default (no modifier) ✅ Yes ❌ No
private ❌ No ❌ No
So, if a class or method has no modifier, it is only accessible within the same package.
✅ 12. Folder Structure Example
project/
├── app/
│ └── [Link] // package app;
├── utils/
│ └── [Link] // package utils;
To compile:
javac -d . utils/[Link]
javac -d . app/[Link]
To run:
java [Link]
✅ 13. Real-World Analogy
Imagine your computer folders:
C:/MyPrograms/
└── school/
└── [Link]
└── games/
└── [Link]
You can think of:
package school;
package games;
Just like folders organize your files, packages organize your Java classes.
✅ 14. Common Built-in Packages
Package Contains
[Link] String, Math, System, Object
[Link] Scanner, ArrayList, HashMap
[Link] FileReader, BufferedWriter
[Link] Sockets, URLs, HTTP clients
[Link] JDBC classes for databases
[Link] GUI elements like JButton, JFrame
✅ 15. Common Mistakes with Packages
❌ Forgetting to match folder name with package statement
❌ Using default access when public is needed
❌ Forgetting to import the class
❌ Assuming import xyz.* includes sub-packages (it does not)
❌ Not compiling with -d . option
✅ 16. Advantages of Packages
✅ Keep your project organized and clean
✅ Avoid naming conflicts
✅ Allows modular programming (divide project into modules)
✅ Makes reusability and maintenance easier
✅ Helps teams work on different parts of a large project
