Question

Is the formatting below some kind of convention in Java? I personally found it more difficult to read, than the second example. Am i alone here? And is there a way to make such a custom formatting in NetBeans when choosing Source -> Format?

public boolean handleEvent(Event e) {
    if (e.target == quit) System.exit(0);
    else if (e.target == parent) {
        // Code here
        // Bug workaround
        }
        catch (IOException ex) { infoarea.setText("I/O Error"); }
        return true;
    }

(second example)

public boolean handleEvent(Event e) 

   {
      if (e.target == quit) System.exit(0);
      else if (e.target == parent) 

          {
            // Code here
            // Bug workaround
          }
      catch (IOException ex) { infoarea.setText("I/O Error"); }
      return true;
   }

Answer 1

Although the given code doesn’t compile, I assume you are talking about using opening braces on the same line as the class/method/command, as opposed to taking a new line before using them?

If so, It’s really a totally subjective thing – I personally hate having my braces on a new line; it looks as wrong to me as same line ones do to you. The only important thing is to make sure that if you’re working in a team, you’re all sticking to the same conventions – there’s no real right/wrong for this matter.