Editing Source Files

Use the Source Editor to view, create, and edit your Java source code, as well as HTML files, plain text files, and files specific to IDE modules such as the JavaServer Pages module. You can also view and zoom in on images.

Within the Source Editor, you can quickly and easily create your own code with the help of Source Editor macros, abbreviations, automatic formatting, and the code completion and word match features. You can also jump to bookmarked locations, recently visited locations, a method or field declaration, or even another file based on the location of the insertion point. Other standard editor functions are supported.

The Source Editor is tightly integrated with the other major components of the IDE. As you work with the IDE to create and change user interfaces, classes, methods, variables, and properties, Java source files are automatically generated and updated in the Source Editor. As you compile and debug your code, you can jump directly to breakpoints and error lines in the Source Editor.

Some of the Source Editor features are dependent upon the parser database, including code completion and several shortcuts for editing Java files. Be sure to keep your parser database updated to use these features.

There are a multitude of user-configurable keyboard shortcuts for the Source Editor that enable you to quickly navigate through source files, modify and create text, search text, open other files, and so on.

For help using the Source Editor, see:

Source Editor
Opening a File in the Source Editor
Working With Tabs
Finding and Replacing Text
Displaying Line Numbers
Using Annotations
Viewing and Zooming an Image
Sharing Source Editor Settings
Configuring the Source Editor

For information about Source Editor features that speed your editing, see:

Creating New Java Code
Formatting Code
Using Code Completion
Using Macros and Abbreviations
Other Source Editor Shortcuts

For information about the parser database, see:

Updating the Parser Database
Deleting Parser Database Files

For an overview of all Source Editor keyboard shortcuts and information about setting them, see:

Editor Shortcuts
Setting Keyboard Shortcuts for the Source Editor

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