Sun's Code Conventions for the Java Programming Language

CTL+SH+F in eclipse formats the source

Use Java-style: start with lower-case letter, do not use underlines

Like this: veryLongVarName

Don't use: A_very_long_var_name

Why: Sun Standard

see Variables

see Variables

Use Java-style: use only lower-case letters, avoid underlines

Like this: packagename

Don't use: Package_name

Why: Sun Standard

Methods starting with get must have no side effects.
Exception: Singleton Implementation

Like this: public int getI() { return i;}

Don't use: public int getI() { i = 3*i + 2; return i; }

Why: Called more than one time they may change the state of the system.

Fields must have a private of protected visibility

Why: This enables the simple replacement of a class with an interface, avoids unwanted write access, encapsulates field access for later additional processing and enhances the intiutive work with a code assist (get CTRL+SPACE).