How to Install Predefined Templates in NetBeans
by Larry Arnoldy
NetBeans uses templates to assist
with creating Java source files. Whenever you create a new Java source
file within NetBeans you must choose which template you wish to use.
The ones that you will most often use are the Java Class and the Java
Main Class templates. There are seven built in Java Class
templates. Using the template Empty
Java File is equivalent to using no template.
It
is possible to create your own templates and add them to the above
list. Your
instructor may supply you with predefined templates and ask
you to install them in NetBeans.
Step 1 - Transfer the predefined
template files to
your PC.
Predefined template files may supplied
to you on a
floppy
disk, CDROM, or the Internet. If they are on the Internet you must
first
download them to your PC. Here are two sample predefined templates to
install. These
templates are based upon files originally written by UMUC instructor
Jerry Rugg.
Click on each of the links above and save the files to your PC.
Depending upon your PC and/or browser configuration, you may have to
use a shift left mouse click to obtain a dialog box that will enable
you to save the files to your PC. The diagram below shows the location
where I downloaded the files to my PC.
Step 2 - Start NetBeans and mount the filesystem directory where you
downloaded the template files.
If you forgot how to mount existing
files, refer to
Hot-To
Use Existing Files with NetBeans. The template files can be mounted
in any project. After they have been installed, the original files can
be deleted. The default project is a good project for this task.
Step 3 - Install the template in NetBeans
Right click on the file name in the
left hand
Filesystems window.
In the drop down list that appears, click on
Save as Template ... .
In the dialog box that pops up, click on
Java Classes then click the
OK button.
That's it. The template has been installed. The name of the
template will be the name of the file. The next
time that
you create a new Java Class source file, this will be in the list of
templates from which you can choose.
Step 4 - Delete the original template
files and unmount the filesystem.
The original template files are no
longer needed. They can be deleted and the filesystem unmounted.
Delete a file by right clicking on its name and then chose
Delete from the dialog box that
pops up. You will be asked to verify the deletion. Unmount a filesystem
by right clicking on its name and then choose
Unmount Filesystem from
the dialog box that pops up.
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Last modified: 01 July 2004
