C

catch block

Block of code, following a try block, that handles exceptions of a single type.

chaining

The technique of connecting data streams together.

chain of constructors

The mechanism whereby all constructors begin by invoking a constructor of the superclass.

class files

Bytecode output files produced by the compiler.

class loader

Mechanism that finds class files, reads them, and translates them into internal representations.

classpath

A list of directories that contain package structures.

comments

Text used by programmers to help readers understand the meaning of the code.

compiled language

A programming language that must be translated into computed binary. Unlike assembly language, generally a line of source code does not correspond to a single instruction.

component

A GUI device that presents user input to programs and displays program information to users. Standard GUI components include buttons, text fields, scrollbars, and menus. Also: An array member.

conditional code

Code that’s executed only when a boolean criterion is satisfied.

construction

Creation of an object or array.

constructor

Code that creates and initializes an instance of a class.

container

A component that can contain other components.