Date class, deprecated methods

As some of you have noticed from compiler messages, java.util.Date has deprecated methods, including several of its constructors. The compiler will issue a warning when you try to use these methods, but this does not mean that there is an error. Using the Date class will not prevent your code from compiling or running.

Deprecation in Java is used to identify classes, methods, and interfaces that are "outdated" and should no longer be used. When something is deprecated, a suggested replacement is identified. For example, the API tells us that java.util.Calendar has the preferred functionality for the deprecated methods in Date. You can read more about deprecation in Java's online documentation.

In the context of this assignment, there are two things to realize about method deprecation in the Date class.

(1) The Date class will work just fine for you in this assignment. DO NOT USE THE CALENDAR CLASS. For what you have to do, the Date class is simple and sufficient.

(2) You can tell the compiler to give you more information about warnings like this. The default compiler warning tells you to recompile with the -Xlint:deprecated flag. You can do this from the command line or from within your IDE.

Here's screenshot from jGRASP where I've set two compiler flags "-Xlint:unchecked -Xlint:deprecated". Notice that the first flag (unchecked) has scrolled to the left. (The "unchecked" flag will give you lots of useful information about generic type usage.) You can access this dialog in jGRASP via Settings->Compiler Settings->Workspace.