Java Packages
Organizing Classes and Interfaces
Introduction to Packages
• Packages are folders or directories.
• Used to store Java programs (Classes & Interfaces).
• Achieve modularity in programs.
• Provide flexibility & easy maintenance.
Types of Packages
• 1. Built-in Packages (Predefined in Java)
• 2. User-defined Packages (Created by programmers)
Built-in Packages
• java.lang – Fundamental classes
• java.io – Input/Output classes
• java.util – Utility classes (Collections, Date, etc.)
• java.sql – Database connectivity
• java.net – Networking classes
Creating User-defined Packages
• 1. Write classes and save them inside a directory.
• 2. Use 'package' keyword at the top of the program.
• 3. Compile using: javac -d . ClassName.java
• 4. Import in another program using: import packagename.ClassName;
Object Class in Java
• The Object class is the parent of all Java classes.
• Every class in Java directly or indirectly inherits Object.
• Defined in java.lang package.
Important Methods of Object Class
• toString() – Returns string representation of the object.
• equals() – Compares two objects.
• hashCode() – Returns hash code value.
• clone() – Creates and returns a copy of the object.
• finalize() – Called before garbage collection.
• getClass() – Returns runtime class of the object.
Class Hierarchy
• At the top: Object Class
• Every other class extends Object directly or indirectly
• Example: String, Number, Exception, etc.
