Published by Adam Myatt on 07 May 2008
Javadoc Analyzer in NetBeans 6.1
NetBeans 5.5 contained a useful tool called the ‘Javadoc Auto Comment’ feature. With the heavy rewrite of the NetBeans internals in version 6.0, the auto comment tool as we knew it was stripped out. This was down with some howling and protests, but at least there was a good reason (and not simply for the heck of it).
Quoted from NetBeans Wiki:
‘We have intended to replace the AC tool for a long time due to its archaic UI and a weak linkage to the editor, where users usually want to edit source code. Changes in the Java model in NetBeans 6.0 forced us to drop the tool immediately and start to implement particular features that will replace the tool as resources permit. So NetBeans 6.0 contains basic editor hints to create or fix javadoc, and the long-awaited ability to generate javadoc skeleton on /** + <Enter> in the open editor as the first step. Of course, the Javadoc Search and the Show Javadoc were adapted to the new model as well.’
NetBeans 6 did contain Javadoc hints and warning so on a class by class basis you could see what was missing or incomplete. NetBeans 6.1 introduced Javadoc code completion. So far so good, but it wasn’t quite as useful as the old Auto Comment tool.
I recently checked the NetBeans 6.1 update center and discovered a plugin listed called Javadoc Analyzer. I had been following several related bug posts at the NetBeans site and knew they had been working on it, but had not had time to try it out.
Download it from the update center and you’re ready to use it with no configuration.
