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Before you start
The new input/output (NIO) library was introduced with JDK 1.4. Picking up where original I/O leaves off, NIO provides high-speed, block-oriented I/O in standard Java code. By defining classes to hold data, and by processing that data in blocks, NIO takes advantage of low-level optimizations in a way that the original I/O package could not, without using native code.
In this tutorial, we'll cover almost every aspect of the NIO library, from the high-level conceptual stuff to under-the-hood programming detail. In addition to learning about crucial I/O elements like buffers and channels, you'll have the opportunity to see how standard I/O works in the updated library. You'll also learn about things you can only do with NIO, such as asynchronous I/O and direct buffers.
Throughout the tutorial, we'll work with code samples that illustrate different aspects of the NIO library. Almost every code sample is part of an extended Java program, which you'll find in Resources. As you are working through the exercises, you're encouraged to download, compile, and run these programs on your own system. The code will also come in handy when you're done with the tutorial, providing a starting point for your NIO programming efforts.
This tutorial is intended for any programmer who wants to learn more about the JDK 1.4 NIO library. To get the most from the discussion you should understand basic Java programming concepts such as classes, inheritance, and using packages. Some familiarity with the original I/O library (from the java.io.* package) will also be helpful.
While this tutorial does require a working vocabulary and conceptual understanding of the Java language, it does not require a lot of actual programming experience. In addition to explaining thoroughly all the concepts relevant to the tutorial, I've kept the code examples fairly small and simple. The goal is to provide an easy entry point for learning about NIO, even for those who don't have much Java programming experience.
The source code archive (available in Resources ) contains all of the programs used in this tutorial. Each program consists of a single Java file. Each file is identified by name and easily related to the programming concept it illustrates.
Some of the programs in the tutorial require command-line arguments to run. To run a program from the command line, simply go to your nearest command-line prompt. Under Windows, the command-line prompt is the "Command" or "command.com" program. Under UNIX, any shell will do.
You will need to have JDK 1.4 installed and in your path to complete the exercises in the tutorial. See Resources if you need help installing and configuring JDK 1.4.
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