JDK-6469562 : Use compact notation to display annotation values
  • Type: Enhancement
  • Component: tools
  • Sub-Component: javadoc(tool)
  • Affected Version: 6
  • Priority: P4
  • Status: Closed
  • Resolution: Fixed
  • OS: generic
  • CPU: generic
  • Submitted: 2006-09-12
  • Updated: 2016-08-12
  • Resolved: 2016-02-16
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JDK 9
9 b107Fixed
Related Reports
Relates :  
JDK-6469561 - javadoc for annotation types should not display "public abstract" modifiers on methods
Relates :  
JDK-8163315 - Implement an API to identify an implicitly declared annotation (or declaration)
Sub Tasks
JDK-8164470 :  
Release Note: Compact javadoc display of single-element annotations - Closed
Description
The javadoc for the annotations applied to an annotated element uses a verbose form; e.g.

    @Documented
    @Retention(value=RUNTIME)
    @Target(value=ANNOTATION_TYPE)
    public @interface Inherited

The more compact

    @Documented
    @Retention(RUNTIME)
    @Target(ANNOTATION_TYPE)
    public @interface Inherited

could often be used instead.
Comments
Draft release note text: Behavioral compatibility change. Previously javadoc would include "value=" when displaying annotations even when that text was not necessary in the source because the annotations were single-element annotations (JLS 9.7.3 https://docs.oracle.com/javase/specs/jls/se8/html/jls-9.html#jls-9.7.3). Such text is now omitted, leading to more concise annotation display.
17-02-2016
Review thread: http://mail.openjdk.java.net/pipermail/compiler-dev/2016-February/009995.html
14-02-2016
With the compact display of repeating annotations planned for JDK 8, this would be a fine time to include this more natural presentation of annotation information as well. If an annotation would only have one member displayed AND the member is named "value" then the "value=" text should be elided.
12-12-2012