Modifying Forms Externally
Forms are stored in two files:
-
A .java file, which contains the (partially) generated Java source code.
-
A .form file, which stores layout manager properties, the properties
and layout constraints of JavaBeans components on the form, and other information.
This file does not need to be distributed with your application. It is merely used
to display the form in the Form Editor.
You can edit the .java files using external editors (but not
while the form is being edited in the IDE), with the following exceptions:
-
Do not modify the content of the initComponents() method. The body of
this method is always regenerated when the form is opened in the IDE.
-
Do not remove or modify any of the special comments placed in the source by the IDE's
Form Editor (// GEN-...). They are required for the form to open
correctly. These comments are not visible inside the IDE's Source Editor.
-
Do not modify the headers or footers of event handlers.
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