Java Reference
In-Depth Information
Forcing immediate garbage collection
You can request an immediate garbage collection by left-clicking the trashcan
icon. Be warned that while the garbage collector is running, you won't be able to
do anything else; your interface may appear to freeze while
IDEA
takes out the
trash. Fortunately, this delay usually lasts only a few seconds.
Hiding the status bar
If you wish, you can remove the status bar altogether. To do so, toggle the state of
the
View | Status Bar
option. Hiding it gives you more real estate but at the
expense of the memory indicator and other information the status bar provides.
2.1.5
Exploring the tool windows
In addition to the editor, you'll find yourself spending a lot of time in
IDEA
's tool
windows.
Tool windows
are the slide-out/dockable/detachable window panes used
for everything from navigating your project tree to viewing the compiler's output.
You'll learn about them throughout the topic in due course; briefly, they have the
responsibilities listed in table 2.2.
Table 2.2 Tool windows are secondary windows within the IDE that provide access to specific
project functionality, such as searching, running/debugging, and build processes.
Tool window
Shortcut
Usage
Messages
Alt+0
Displays output from compilation and Ant builds
Project
Alt+1
Lets you navigate through your project files and source code
Commander
Alt+2
File-management tool that helps organize your files
Find
Alt+3
Displays results from search-and-replace operations and usage analysis
Run
Alt+4
Shows output from applications launched from within the IDE
Debug
Alt+5
Interactive, symbolic Java debugger
TODO
Alt+6
Tracks task reminders and other notes embedded in your source code
Structure
Alt+7
Presents a logical view of the code structure within the current file
Hierarchy
Alt+8
Displays hierarchy relationships between classes, superclasses, and
interfaces
Ant Build
Lets you navigate and execute Ant build targets
Version Control
Version-control messaging and status window
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