Supplement Glossary(Chapter 1)

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.class file

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The output of the Java compiler. A .classfile contains the byte code for the class.

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.java file

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The source code of a Java program. It maycontain one or more Java classes and interfaces. A.java file can be created using a text editor or a JavaIDE such as NetBeans, Eclipse, and JBuilder.

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Application Program Interface (API)

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A set of classesand interfaces that can be used to develop Javaprograms.

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assembler

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A program that translates assembly-languageprograms into machine code.

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assembly language

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A low-level programming language inwhich a mnemonic is used to represent each of themachine language instructions.

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binary numbers

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Numbers consists of 0’s and 1’s.

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bit

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A binary digit 0 and 1.

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block

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A sequence of statements enclosed in braces ({}).

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block comment

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Enclosed between /* and */ on one orseveral lines in the source code.

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Bus

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A distinct set of conductors carrying data and control signals within a computer system, to which pieces of equipment may be connected in parallel.

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byte

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A unit of storage. Each byte consists of 8 bits.The size of hard disk and memory is measured in bytes.A megabyte is roughly a million bytes.

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bytecode

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The result of compiling Java source code.Bytecode is machine-independent and can run on anymachine that has a Java running environment.

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Bytecode verifier

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A program in the JVM that checksthe validity of the bytecode and ensure that thebytecode does not violate Java’s security restrictions.

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cable modem

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Uses the TV cable line maintained by thecable company. A cable modem is as fast as a DSL.

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central processing unit (CPU)

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A small siliconsemiconductor chip with millions of transistors thatexecutes instructions.

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class loader

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When executing a Java program, the JVMfirst loads the bytecode of the class to memory using aprogram called the class loader. If your program usesother classes, the class loader dynamically loads themjust before they are needed.

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comment

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Comments document what a program is and how itis constructed. They are not programming statements andare ignored by the compiler. In Java, comments arepreceded by two slashes (//) in a line or enclosedbetween /* and */ in multiple lines.

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compiler

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A software program that translates source code(e.g., Java source code) into a machine languageprogram.

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dot pitch

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The amount of space between pixels. Thesmaller the dot pitch, the better the display.

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DSL (digital subscriber line)

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Uses a phone line andcan transfer data in a speed 20 times faster than aregular modem.

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hardware

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The physical aspect of the computer that canbe seen.

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hexadecimal numbers

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Numbers with radix 16.

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high-level programming language

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Are English-like andeasy to learn and program.

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Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

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Software thathelps programmers write code efficiently. IDE toolsintegrate editing, compiling, building, debugging, andonline help in one graphical user interface.

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interpreter

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Software for interpreting and running Javabytecode.

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java command

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The command to invoke the interpreter torun a Java program from the command line.

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javac command

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The command to invoke the compiler tocompile a Java source code program from the commandline.

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Java Development Toolkit (JDK)

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Defines the Java APIand contains a set of command-line utilities, such asjavac (compiler) and java (interpreter). With Java 2,Sun renamed JDK 1.5 to Java 2 SDK v 1.5. SDK stands forSoftware Development Toolkit.

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Java Virtual Machine (JVM)

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A machine that run Javabyte-code. It is called virtual because it is usuallyimplemented in software rather than in hardware.

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Just-in-Time compiler

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Capable of compiling eachbytecode once, and then reinvoking the compiled coderepeatedly when the bytecode is executed.

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keyword (or reserved word)

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A word defined as part ofJava language, which have a specific meaning to thecompiler and cannot be used for other purposes in theprogram.

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line comment

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comments preceded by two slashes (//)

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machine language

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Is a set of primitive instructionsbuilt into every computer. The instructions are in theform of binary code, so you have to enter binary codesfor various instructions.

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main class

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A class that contains a main method.

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memory

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Stores data and program instructions for CPU toexecute.

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modem

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A regular modem uses a phone line and cantransfer data in a speed up to 56,000 bps (bits persecond).

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network interface card (NIC)

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A device to connect acomputer to a local area network (LAN). The LAN iscommonly used in business, universities, and governmentorganizations. A typical type of NIC, called 10BaseT,can transfer data at 10 Mbps.

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operating system (OS)

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A program that manages andcontrols a computer’s activities (e.g., Windows, Linux,Solaris).

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pixel

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Tiny dots that form an image on the screen.

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resolution

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Specifies the number of pixels per squareinch. The higher the resolution, the sharper andclearer the image is.

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software

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The invisible instructions that control thehardware and make it work.

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source code

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A program written in a programming languagesuch as Java.

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source file

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A file that stores the source code.

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specific import

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specifies a single class in the importstatement. For example, import javax.swing.JOptionPaneimports JOptionPane from package javax.swing.

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storage devices

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The permanent storage for data andprograms. Memory is volatile, because information islost when the power is off. Program and data arestored on secondary storage and moved to memory whenthe computer actually uses them.

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statement

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A unit of code that represents an action ora sequence of actions.

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wildcard import

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imports all the classes in a package.For example, import javax.swing.* imports all classesfrom package javax.swing. import javax.swing.*;