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25 
26 package java.util.prefs;
27 
28 import java.io.InputStream;
29 import java.io.IOException;
30 import java.io.OutputStream;
31 import java.security.AccessController;
32 import java.security.Permission;
33 import java.security.PrivilegedAction;
34 import java.util.Iterator;
35 import java.util.ServiceLoader;
36 import java.util.ServiceConfigurationError;
37 
38 // These imports needed only as a workaround for a JavaDoc bug
39 import java.lang.RuntimePermission;
40 import java.lang.Integer;
41 import java.lang.Long;
42 import java.lang.Float;
43 import java.lang.Double;
44 
45 /**
46  * A node in a hierarchical collection of preference data.  This class
47  * allows applications to store and retrieve user and system
48  * preference and configuration data.  This data is stored
49  * persistently in an implementation-dependent backing store.  Typical
50  * implementations include flat files, OS-specific registries,
51  * directory servers and SQL databases.  The user of this class needn't
52  * be concerned with details of the backing store.
53  *
54  * <p>There are two separate trees of preference nodes, one for user
55  * preferences and one for system preferences.  Each user has a separate user
56  * preference tree, and all users in a given system share the same system
57  * preference tree.  The precise description of "user" and "system" will vary
58  * from implementation to implementation.  Typical information stored in the
59  * user preference tree might include font choice, color choice, or preferred
60  * window location and size for a particular application.  Typical information
61  * stored in the system preference tree might include installation
62  * configuration data for an application.
63  *
64  * <p>Nodes in a preference tree are named in a similar fashion to
65  * directories in a hierarchical file system.   Every node in a preference
66  * tree has a <i>node name</i> (which is not necessarily unique),
67  * a unique <i>absolute path name</i>, and a path name <i>relative</i> to each
68  * ancestor including itself.
69  *
70  * <p>The root node has a node name of the empty string ("").  Every other
71  * node has an arbitrary node name, specified at the time it is created.  The
72  * only restrictions on this name are that it cannot be the empty string, and
73  * it cannot contain the slash character ('/').
74  *
75  * <p>The root node has an absolute path name of {@code "/"}.  Children of
76  * the root node have absolute path names of {@code "/" + }<i>&lt;node
77  * name&gt;</i>.  All other nodes have absolute path names of <i>&lt;parent's
78  * absolute path name&gt;</i>{@code  + "/" + }<i>&lt;node name&gt;</i>.
79  * Note that all absolute path names begin with the slash character.
80  *
81  * <p>A node <i>n</i>'s path name relative to its ancestor <i>a</i>
82  * is simply the string that must be appended to <i>a</i>'s absolute path name
83  * in order to form <i>n</i>'s absolute path name, with the initial slash
84  * character (if present) removed.  Note that:
85  * <ul>
86  * <li>No relative path names begin with the slash character.
87  * <li>Every node's path name relative to itself is the empty string.
88  * <li>Every node's path name relative to its parent is its node name (except
89  * for the root node, which does not have a parent).
90  * <li>Every node's path name relative to the root is its absolute path name
91  * with the initial slash character removed.
92  * </ul>
93  *
94  * <p>Note finally that:
95  * <ul>
96  * <li>No path name contains multiple consecutive slash characters.
97  * <li>No path name with the exception of the root's absolute path name
98  * ends in the slash character.
99  * <li>Any string that conforms to these two rules is a valid path name.
100  * </ul>
101  *
102  * <p>All of the methods that modify preferences data are permitted to operate
103  * asynchronously; they may return immediately, and changes will eventually
104  * propagate to the persistent backing store with an implementation-dependent
105  * delay.  The {@code flush} method may be used to synchronously force
106  * updates to the backing store.  Normal termination of the Java Virtual
107  * Machine will <i>not</i> result in the loss of pending updates -- an explicit
108  * {@code flush} invocation is <i>not</i> required upon termination to ensure
109  * that pending updates are made persistent.
110  *
111  * <p>All of the methods that read preferences from a {@code Preferences}
112  * object require the invoker to provide a default value.  The default value is
113  * returned if no value has been previously set <i>or if the backing store is
114  * unavailable</i>.  The intent is to allow applications to operate, albeit
115  * with slightly degraded functionality, even if the backing store becomes
116  * unavailable.  Several methods, like {@code flush}, have semantics that
117  * prevent them from operating if the backing store is unavailable.  Ordinary
118  * applications should have no need to invoke any of these methods, which can
119  * be identified by the fact that they are declared to throw {@link
120  * BackingStoreException}.
121  *
122  * <p>The methods in this class may be invoked concurrently by multiple threads
123  * in a single JVM without the need for external synchronization, and the
124  * results will be equivalent to some serial execution.  If this class is used
125  * concurrently <i>by multiple JVMs</i> that store their preference data in
126  * the same backing store, the data store will not be corrupted, but no
127  * other guarantees are made concerning the consistency of the preference
128  * data.
129  *
130  * <p>This class contains an export/import facility, allowing preferences
131  * to be "exported" to an XML document, and XML documents representing
132  * preferences to be "imported" back into the system.  This facility
133  * may be used to back up all or part of a preference tree, and
134  * subsequently restore from the backup.
135  *
136  * <p>The XML document has the following DOCTYPE declaration:
137  * <pre>{@code
138  * <!DOCTYPE preferences SYSTEM "http://java.sun.com/dtd/preferences.dtd">
139  * }</pre>
140  * Note that the system URI (http://java.sun.com/dtd/preferences.dtd) is
141  * <i>not</i> accessed when exporting or importing preferences; it merely
142  * serves as a string to uniquely identify the DTD, which is:
143  * <pre>{@code
144  *    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
145  *
146  *    <!-- DTD for a Preferences tree. -->
147  *
148  *    <!-- The preferences element is at the root of an XML document
149  *         representing a Preferences tree. -->
150  *    <!ELEMENT preferences (root)>
151  *
152  *    <!-- The preferences element contains an optional version attribute,
153  *          which specifies version of DTD. -->
154  *    <!ATTLIST preferences EXTERNAL_XML_VERSION CDATA "0.0" >
155  *
156  *    <!-- The root element has a map representing the root's preferences
157  *         (if any), and one node for each child of the root (if any). -->
158  *    <!ELEMENT root (map, node*) >
159  *
160  *    <!-- Additionally, the root contains a type attribute, which
161  *         specifies whether it's the system or user root. -->
162  *    <!ATTLIST root
163  *              type (system|user) #REQUIRED >
164  *
165  *    <!-- Each node has a map representing its preferences (if any),
166  *         and one node for each child (if any). -->
167  *    <!ELEMENT node (map, node*) >
168  *
169  *    <!-- Additionally, each node has a name attribute -->
170  *    <!ATTLIST node
171  *              name CDATA #REQUIRED >
172  *
173  *    <!-- A map represents the preferences stored at a node (if any). -->
174  *    <!ELEMENT map (entry*) >
175  *
176  *    <!-- An entry represents a single preference, which is simply
177  *          a key-value pair. -->
178  *    <!ELEMENT entry EMPTY >
179  *    <!ATTLIST entry
180  *              key   CDATA #REQUIRED
181  *              value CDATA #REQUIRED >
182  * }</pre>
183  *
184  * Every {@code Preferences} implementation must have an associated {@link
185  * PreferencesFactory} implementation.  Every Java(TM) SE implementation must provide
186  * some means of specifying which {@code PreferencesFactory} implementation
187  * is used to generate the root preferences nodes.  This allows the
188  * administrator to replace the default preferences implementation with an
189  * alternative implementation.
190  *
191  * @implNote
192  * The {@code PreferencesFactory} implementation is located as follows:
193  *
194  * <ol>
195  *
196  * <li><p>If the system property
197  * {@code java.util.prefs.PreferencesFactory} is defined, then it is
198  * taken to be the fully-qualified name of a class implementing the
199  * {@code PreferencesFactory} interface.  The class is loaded and
200  * instantiated; if this process fails then an unspecified error is
201  * thrown.</p></li>
202  *
203  * <li><p> If a {@code PreferencesFactory} implementation class file
204  * has been installed in a jar file that is visible to the
205  * {@link java.lang.ClassLoader#getSystemClassLoader system class loader},
206  * and that jar file contains a provider-configuration file named
207  * {@code java.util.prefs.PreferencesFactory} in the resource
208  * directory {@code META-INF/services}, then the first class name
209  * specified in that file is taken.  If more than one such jar file is
210  * provided, the first one found will be used.  The class is loaded
211  * and instantiated; if this process fails then an unspecified error
212  * is thrown.  </p></li>
213  *
214  * <li><p>Finally, if neither the above-mentioned system property nor
215  * an extension jar file is provided, then the system-wide default
216  * {@code PreferencesFactory} implementation for the underlying
217  * platform is loaded and instantiated.</p></li>
218  *
219  * </ol>
220  *
221  * @author  Josh Bloch
222  * @since   1.4
223  */
224 public abstract class Preferences {
225 
226     private static final PreferencesFactory factory = factory();
227 
factory()228     private static PreferencesFactory factory() {
229         // 1. Try user-specified system property
230         String factoryName = AccessController.doPrivileged(
231             new PrivilegedAction<String>() {
232                 public String run() {
233                     return System.getProperty(
234                         "java.util.prefs.PreferencesFactory");}});
235         if (factoryName != null) {
236             // FIXME: This code should be run in a doPrivileged and
237             // not use the context classloader, to avoid being
238             // dependent on the invoking thread.
239             // Checking AllPermission also seems wrong.
240             try {
241                 @SuppressWarnings("deprecation")
242                 Object result =Class.forName(factoryName, false,
243                                              ClassLoader.getSystemClassLoader())
244                     .newInstance();
245                 return (PreferencesFactory)result;
246             } catch (Exception ex) {
247                 try {
248                     // workaround for javaws, plugin,
249                     // load factory class using non-system classloader
250                     SecurityManager sm = System.getSecurityManager();
251                     if (sm != null) {
252                         sm.checkPermission(new java.security.AllPermission());
253                     }
254                     @SuppressWarnings("deprecation")
255                     Object result = Class.forName(factoryName, false,
256                                                   Thread.currentThread()
257                                                   .getContextClassLoader())
258                         .newInstance();
259                     return (PreferencesFactory) result;
260                 } catch (Exception e) {
261                     throw new InternalError(
262                         "Can't instantiate Preferences factory "
263                         + factoryName, e);
264                 }
265             }
266         }
267 
268         return AccessController.doPrivileged(
269             new PrivilegedAction<PreferencesFactory>() {
270                 public PreferencesFactory run() {
271                     return factory1();}});
272     }
273 
274     private static PreferencesFactory factory1() {
275         // 2. Try service provider interface
276         Iterator<PreferencesFactory> itr = ServiceLoader
277             .load(PreferencesFactory.class, ClassLoader.getSystemClassLoader())
278             .iterator();
279 
280         // choose first provider instance
281         while (itr.hasNext()) {
282             try {
283                 return itr.next();
284             } catch (ServiceConfigurationError sce) {
285                 if (sce.getCause() instanceof SecurityException) {
286                     // Ignore the security exception, try the next provider
287                     continue;
288                 }
289                 throw sce;
290             }
291         }
292 
293         // 3. Use platform-specific system-wide default
294         String osName = System.getProperty("os.name");
295         String platformFactory;
296         if (osName.startsWith("Windows")) {
297             platformFactory = "java.util.prefs.WindowsPreferencesFactory";
298         } else if (osName.contains("OS X")) {
299             platformFactory = "java.util.prefs.MacOSXPreferencesFactory";
300         } else {
301             platformFactory = "java.util.prefs.FileSystemPreferencesFactory";
302         }
303         try {
304             @SuppressWarnings("deprecation")
305             Object result = Class.forName(platformFactory, false,
306                                           Preferences.class.getClassLoader()).newInstance();
307             return (PreferencesFactory) result;
308         } catch (Exception e) {
309             throw new InternalError(
310                 "Can't instantiate platform default Preferences factory "
311                 + platformFactory, e);
312         }
313     }
314 
315     /**
316      * Maximum length of string allowed as a key (80 characters).
317      */
318     public static final int MAX_KEY_LENGTH = 80;
319 
320     /**
321      * Maximum length of string allowed as a value (8192 characters).
322      */
323     public static final int MAX_VALUE_LENGTH = 8*1024;
324 
325     /**
326      * Maximum length of a node name (80 characters).
327      */
328     public static final int MAX_NAME_LENGTH = 80;
329 
330     /**
331      * Returns the preference node from the calling user's preference tree
332      * that is associated (by convention) with the specified class's package.
333      * The convention is as follows: the absolute path name of the node is the
334      * fully qualified package name, preceded by a slash ({@code '/'}), and
335      * with each period ({@code '.'}) replaced by a slash.  For example the
336      * absolute path name of the node associated with the class
337      * {@code com.acme.widget.Foo} is {@code /com/acme/widget}.
338      *
339      * <p>This convention does not apply to the unnamed package, whose
340      * associated preference node is {@code <unnamed>}.  This node
341      * is not intended for long term use, but for convenience in the early
342      * development of programs that do not yet belong to a package, and
343      * for "throwaway" programs.  <i>Valuable data should not be stored
344      * at this node as it is shared by all programs that use it.</i>
345      *
346      * <p>A class {@code Foo} wishing to access preferences pertaining to its
347      * package can obtain a preference node as follows: <pre>
348      *    static Preferences prefs = Preferences.userNodeForPackage(Foo.class);
349      * </pre>
350      * This idiom obviates the need for using a string to describe the
351      * preferences node and decreases the likelihood of a run-time failure.
352      * (If the class name is misspelled, it will typically result in a
353      * compile-time error.)
354      *
355      * <p>Invoking this method will result in the creation of the returned
356      * node and its ancestors if they do not already exist.  If the returned
357      * node did not exist prior to this call, this node and any ancestors that
358      * were created by this call are not guaranteed to become permanent until
359      * the {@code flush} method is called on the returned node (or one of its
360      * ancestors or descendants).
361      *
362      * @param c the class for whose package a user preference node is desired.
363      * @return the user preference node associated with the package of which
364      *         {@code c} is a member.
365      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code c} is {@code null}.
366      * @throws SecurityException if a security manager is present and
367      *         it denies {@code RuntimePermission("preferences")}.
368      * @see    RuntimePermission
369      */
370     public static Preferences userNodeForPackage(Class<?> c) {
371         return userRoot().node(nodeName(c));
372     }
373 
374     /**
375      * Returns the preference node from the system preference tree that is
376      * associated (by convention) with the specified class's package.  The
377      * convention is as follows: the absolute path name of the node is the
378      * fully qualified package name, preceded by a slash ({@code '/'}), and
379      * with each period ({@code '.'}) replaced by a slash.  For example the
380      * absolute path name of the node associated with the class
381      * {@code com.acme.widget.Foo} is {@code /com/acme/widget}.
382      *
383      * <p>This convention does not apply to the unnamed package, whose
384      * associated preference node is {@code <unnamed>}.  This node
385      * is not intended for long term use, but for convenience in the early
386      * development of programs that do not yet belong to a package, and
387      * for "throwaway" programs.  <i>Valuable data should not be stored
388      * at this node as it is shared by all programs that use it.</i>
389      *
390      * <p>A class {@code Foo} wishing to access preferences pertaining to its
391      * package can obtain a preference node as follows: <pre>
392      *  static Preferences prefs = Preferences.systemNodeForPackage(Foo.class);
393      * </pre>
394      * This idiom obviates the need for using a string to describe the
395      * preferences node and decreases the likelihood of a run-time failure.
396      * (If the class name is misspelled, it will typically result in a
397      * compile-time error.)
398      *
399      * <p>Invoking this method will result in the creation of the returned
400      * node and its ancestors if they do not already exist.  If the returned
401      * node did not exist prior to this call, this node and any ancestors that
402      * were created by this call are not guaranteed to become permanent until
403      * the {@code flush} method is called on the returned node (or one of its
404      * ancestors or descendants).
405      *
406      * @param c the class for whose package a system preference node is desired.
407      * @return the system preference node associated with the package of which
408      *         {@code c} is a member.
409      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code c} is {@code null}.
410      * @throws SecurityException if a security manager is present and
411      *         it denies {@code RuntimePermission("preferences")}.
412      * @see    RuntimePermission
413      */
414     public static Preferences systemNodeForPackage(Class<?> c) {
415         return systemRoot().node(nodeName(c));
416     }
417 
418     /**
419      * Returns the absolute path name of the node corresponding to the package
420      * of the specified object.
421      *
422      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if the package has node preferences
423      *         node associated with it.
424      */
425     private static String nodeName(Class<?> c) {
426         if (c.isArray())
427             throw new IllegalArgumentException(
428                 "Arrays have no associated preferences node.");
429         String className = c.getName();
430         int pkgEndIndex = className.lastIndexOf('.');
431         if (pkgEndIndex < 0)
432             return "/<unnamed>";
433         String packageName = className.substring(0, pkgEndIndex);
434         return "/" + packageName.replace('.', '/');
435     }
436 
437     /**
438      * This permission object represents the permission required to get
439      * access to the user or system root (which in turn allows for all
440      * other operations).
441      */
442     private static Permission prefsPerm = new RuntimePermission("preferences");
443 
444     /**
445      * Returns the root preference node for the calling user.
446      *
447      * @return the root preference node for the calling user.
448      * @throws SecurityException If a security manager is present and
449      *         it denies {@code RuntimePermission("preferences")}.
450      * @see    RuntimePermission
451      */
452     public static Preferences userRoot() {
453         SecurityManager security = System.getSecurityManager();
454         if (security != null)
455             security.checkPermission(prefsPerm);
456 
457         return factory.userRoot();
458     }
459 
460     /**
461      * Returns the root preference node for the system.
462      *
463      * @return the root preference node for the system.
464      * @throws SecurityException If a security manager is present and
465      *         it denies {@code RuntimePermission("preferences")}.
466      * @see    RuntimePermission
467      */
468     public static Preferences systemRoot() {
469         SecurityManager security = System.getSecurityManager();
470         if (security != null)
471             security.checkPermission(prefsPerm);
472 
473         return factory.systemRoot();
474     }
475 
476     /**
477      * Sole constructor. (For invocation by subclass constructors, typically
478      * implicit.)
479      */
480     protected Preferences() {
481     }
482 
483     /**
484      * Associates the specified value with the specified key in this
485      * preference node.
486      *
487      * @param key key with which the specified value is to be associated.
488      * @param value value to be associated with the specified key.
489      * @throws NullPointerException if key or value is {@code null}.
490      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code key.length()} exceeds
491      *       {@code MAX_KEY_LENGTH} or if {@code value.length} exceeds
492      *       {@code MAX_VALUE_LENGTH}.
493      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
494      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
495      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if either key or value contain
496      *         the null control character, code point U+0000.
497      */
498     public abstract void put(String key, String value);
499 
500     /**
501      * Returns the value associated with the specified key in this preference
502      * node.  Returns the specified default if there is no value associated
503      * with the key, or the backing store is inaccessible.
504      *
505      * <p>Some implementations may store default values in their backing
506      * stores.  If there is no value associated with the specified key
507      * but there is such a <i>stored default</i>, it is returned in
508      * preference to the specified default.
509      *
510      * @param key key whose associated value is to be returned.
511      * @param def the value to be returned in the event that this
512      *        preference node has no value associated with {@code key}.
513      * @return the value associated with {@code key}, or {@code def}
514      *         if no value is associated with {@code key}, or the backing
515      *         store is inaccessible.
516      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
517      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
518      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.  (A
519      *         {@code null} value for {@code def} <i>is</i> permitted.)
520      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains the null control
521      *         character, code point U+0000.
522      */
523     public abstract String get(String key, String def);
524 
525     /**
526      * Removes the value associated with the specified key in this preference
527      * node, if any.
528      *
529      * <p>If this implementation supports <i>stored defaults</i>, and there is
530      * such a default for the specified preference, the stored default will be
531      * "exposed" by this call, in the sense that it will be returned
532      * by a succeeding call to {@code get}.
533      *
534      * @param key key whose mapping is to be removed from the preference node.
535      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.
536      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
537      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
538      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains the null control
539      *         character, code point U+0000.
540      */
541     public abstract void remove(String key);
542 
543     /**
544      * Removes all of the preferences (key-value associations) in this
545      * preference node.  This call has no effect on any descendants
546      * of this node.
547      *
548      * <p>If this implementation supports <i>stored defaults</i>, and this
549      * node in the preferences hierarchy contains any such defaults,
550      * the stored defaults will be "exposed" by this call, in the sense that
551      * they will be returned by succeeding calls to {@code get}.
552      *
553      * @throws BackingStoreException if this operation cannot be completed
554      *         due to a failure in the backing store, or inability to
555      *         communicate with it.
556      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
557      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
558      * @see #removeNode()
559      */
560     public abstract void clear() throws BackingStoreException;
561 
562     /**
563      * Associates a string representing the specified int value with the
564      * specified key in this preference node.  The associated string is the
565      * one that would be returned if the int value were passed to
566      * {@link Integer#toString(int)}.  This method is intended for use in
567      * conjunction with {@link #getInt}.
568      *
569      * @param key key with which the string form of value is to be associated.
570      * @param value value whose string form is to be associated with key.
571      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.
572      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code key.length()} exceeds
573      *         {@code MAX_KEY_LENGTH}.
574      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
575      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
576      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains
577      *         the null control character, code point U+0000.
578      * @see #getInt(String,int)
579      */
580     public abstract void putInt(String key, int value);
581 
582     /**
583      * Returns the int value represented by the string associated with the
584      * specified key in this preference node.  The string is converted to
585      * an integer as by {@link Integer#parseInt(String)}.  Returns the
586      * specified default if there is no value associated with the key,
587      * the backing store is inaccessible, or if
588      * {@code Integer.parseInt(String)} would throw a {@link
589      * NumberFormatException} if the associated value were passed.  This
590      * method is intended for use in conjunction with {@link #putInt}.
591      *
592      * <p>If the implementation supports <i>stored defaults</i> and such a
593      * default exists, is accessible, and could be converted to an int
594      * with {@code Integer.parseInt}, this int is returned in preference to
595      * the specified default.
596      *
597      * @param key key whose associated value is to be returned as an int.
598      * @param def the value to be returned in the event that this
599      *        preference node has no value associated with {@code key}
600      *        or the associated value cannot be interpreted as an int,
601      *        or the backing store is inaccessible.
602      * @return the int value represented by the string associated with
603      *         {@code key} in this preference node, or {@code def} if the
604      *         associated value does not exist or cannot be interpreted as
605      *         an int.
606      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
607      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
608      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.
609      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains the null control
610      *         character, code point U+0000.
611      * @see #putInt(String,int)
612      * @see #get(String,String)
613      */
614     public abstract int getInt(String key, int def);
615 
616     /**
617      * Associates a string representing the specified long value with the
618      * specified key in this preference node.  The associated string is the
619      * one that would be returned if the long value were passed to
620      * {@link Long#toString(long)}.  This method is intended for use in
621      * conjunction with {@link #getLong}.
622      *
623      * @param key key with which the string form of value is to be associated.
624      * @param value value whose string form is to be associated with key.
625      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.
626      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code key.length()} exceeds
627      *         {@code MAX_KEY_LENGTH}.
628      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
629      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
630      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains
631      *         the null control character, code point U+0000.
632      * @see #getLong(String,long)
633      */
634     public abstract void putLong(String key, long value);
635 
636     /**
637      * Returns the long value represented by the string associated with the
638      * specified key in this preference node.  The string is converted to
639      * a long as by {@link Long#parseLong(String)}.  Returns the
640      * specified default if there is no value associated with the key,
641      * the backing store is inaccessible, or if
642      * {@code Long.parseLong(String)} would throw a {@link
643      * NumberFormatException} if the associated value were passed.  This
644      * method is intended for use in conjunction with {@link #putLong}.
645      *
646      * <p>If the implementation supports <i>stored defaults</i> and such a
647      * default exists, is accessible, and could be converted to a long
648      * with {@code Long.parseLong}, this long is returned in preference to
649      * the specified default.
650      *
651      * @param key key whose associated value is to be returned as a long.
652      * @param def the value to be returned in the event that this
653      *        preference node has no value associated with {@code key}
654      *        or the associated value cannot be interpreted as a long,
655      *        or the backing store is inaccessible.
656      * @return the long value represented by the string associated with
657      *         {@code key} in this preference node, or {@code def} if the
658      *         associated value does not exist or cannot be interpreted as
659      *         a long.
660      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
661      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
662      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.
663      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains the null control
664      *         character, code point U+0000.
665      * @see #putLong(String,long)
666      * @see #get(String,String)
667      */
668     public abstract long getLong(String key, long def);
669 
670     /**
671      * Associates a string representing the specified boolean value with the
672      * specified key in this preference node.  The associated string is
673      * {@code "true"} if the value is true, and {@code "false"} if it is
674      * false.  This method is intended for use in conjunction with
675      * {@link #getBoolean}.
676      *
677      * @param key key with which the string form of value is to be associated.
678      * @param value value whose string form is to be associated with key.
679      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.
680      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code key.length()} exceeds
681      *         {@code MAX_KEY_LENGTH}.
682      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
683      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
684      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains
685      *         the null control character, code point U+0000.
686      * @see #getBoolean(String,boolean)
687      * @see #get(String,String)
688      */
689     public abstract void putBoolean(String key, boolean value);
690 
691     /**
692      * Returns the boolean value represented by the string associated with the
693      * specified key in this preference node.  Valid strings
694      * are {@code "true"}, which represents true, and {@code "false"}, which
695      * represents false.  Case is ignored, so, for example, {@code "TRUE"}
696      * and {@code "False"} are also valid.  This method is intended for use in
697      * conjunction with {@link #putBoolean}.
698      *
699      * <p>Returns the specified default if there is no value
700      * associated with the key, the backing store is inaccessible, or if the
701      * associated value is something other than {@code "true"} or
702      * {@code "false"}, ignoring case.
703      *
704      * <p>If the implementation supports <i>stored defaults</i> and such a
705      * default exists and is accessible, it is used in preference to the
706      * specified default, unless the stored default is something other than
707      * {@code "true"} or {@code "false"}, ignoring case, in which case the
708      * specified default is used.
709      *
710      * @param key key whose associated value is to be returned as a boolean.
711      * @param def the value to be returned in the event that this
712      *        preference node has no value associated with {@code key}
713      *        or the associated value cannot be interpreted as a boolean,
714      *        or the backing store is inaccessible.
715      * @return the boolean value represented by the string associated with
716      *         {@code key} in this preference node, or {@code def} if the
717      *         associated value does not exist or cannot be interpreted as
718      *         a boolean.
719      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
720      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
721      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.
722      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains the null control
723      *         character, code point U+0000.
724      * @see #get(String,String)
725      * @see #putBoolean(String,boolean)
726      */
727     public abstract boolean getBoolean(String key, boolean def);
728 
729     /**
730      * Associates a string representing the specified float value with the
731      * specified key in this preference node.  The associated string is the
732      * one that would be returned if the float value were passed to
733      * {@link Float#toString(float)}.  This method is intended for use in
734      * conjunction with {@link #getFloat}.
735      *
736      * @param key key with which the string form of value is to be associated.
737      * @param value value whose string form is to be associated with key.
738      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.
739      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code key.length()} exceeds
740      *         {@code MAX_KEY_LENGTH}.
741      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
742      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
743      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains
744      *         the null control character, code point U+0000.
745      * @see #getFloat(String,float)
746      */
747     public abstract void putFloat(String key, float value);
748 
749     /**
750      * Returns the float value represented by the string associated with the
751      * specified key in this preference node.  The string is converted to an
752      * integer as by {@link Float#parseFloat(String)}.  Returns the specified
753      * default if there is no value associated with the key, the backing store
754      * is inaccessible, or if {@code Float.parseFloat(String)} would throw a
755      * {@link NumberFormatException} if the associated value were passed.
756      * This method is intended for use in conjunction with {@link #putFloat}.
757      *
758      * <p>If the implementation supports <i>stored defaults</i> and such a
759      * default exists, is accessible, and could be converted to a float
760      * with {@code Float.parseFloat}, this float is returned in preference to
761      * the specified default.
762      *
763      * @param key key whose associated value is to be returned as a float.
764      * @param def the value to be returned in the event that this
765      *        preference node has no value associated with {@code key}
766      *        or the associated value cannot be interpreted as a float,
767      *        or the backing store is inaccessible.
768      * @return the float value represented by the string associated with
769      *         {@code key} in this preference node, or {@code def} if the
770      *         associated value does not exist or cannot be interpreted as
771      *         a float.
772      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
773      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
774      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.
775      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains the null control
776      *         character, code point U+0000.
777      * @see #putFloat(String,float)
778      * @see #get(String,String)
779      */
780     public abstract float getFloat(String key, float def);
781 
782     /**
783      * Associates a string representing the specified double value with the
784      * specified key in this preference node.  The associated string is the
785      * one that would be returned if the double value were passed to
786      * {@link Double#toString(double)}.  This method is intended for use in
787      * conjunction with {@link #getDouble}.
788      *
789      * @param key key with which the string form of value is to be associated.
790      * @param value value whose string form is to be associated with key.
791      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.
792      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code key.length()} exceeds
793      *         {@code MAX_KEY_LENGTH}.
794      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
795      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
796      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains
797      *         the null control character, code point U+0000.
798      * @see #getDouble(String,double)
799      */
800     public abstract void putDouble(String key, double value);
801 
802     /**
803      * Returns the double value represented by the string associated with the
804      * specified key in this preference node.  The string is converted to an
805      * integer as by {@link Double#parseDouble(String)}.  Returns the specified
806      * default if there is no value associated with the key, the backing store
807      * is inaccessible, or if {@code Double.parseDouble(String)} would throw a
808      * {@link NumberFormatException} if the associated value were passed.
809      * This method is intended for use in conjunction with {@link #putDouble}.
810      *
811      * <p>If the implementation supports <i>stored defaults</i> and such a
812      * default exists, is accessible, and could be converted to a double
813      * with {@code Double.parseDouble}, this double is returned in preference
814      * to the specified default.
815      *
816      * @param key key whose associated value is to be returned as a double.
817      * @param def the value to be returned in the event that this
818      *        preference node has no value associated with {@code key}
819      *        or the associated value cannot be interpreted as a double,
820      *        or the backing store is inaccessible.
821      * @return the double value represented by the string associated with
822      *         {@code key} in this preference node, or {@code def} if the
823      *         associated value does not exist or cannot be interpreted as
824      *         a double.
825      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
826      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
827      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.
828      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains the null control
829      *         character, code point U+0000.
830      * @see #putDouble(String,double)
831      * @see #get(String,String)
832      */
833     public abstract double getDouble(String key, double def);
834 
835     /**
836      * Associates a string representing the specified byte array with the
837      * specified key in this preference node.  The associated string is
838      * the <i>Base64</i> encoding of the byte array, as defined in <a
839      * href=http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2045.txt>RFC 2045</a>, Section 6.8,
840      * with one minor change: the string will consist solely of characters
841      * from the <i>Base64 Alphabet</i>; it will not contain any newline
842      * characters.  Note that the maximum length of the byte array is limited
843      * to three quarters of {@code MAX_VALUE_LENGTH} so that the length
844      * of the Base64 encoded String does not exceed {@code MAX_VALUE_LENGTH}.
845      * This method is intended for use in conjunction with
846      * {@link #getByteArray}.
847      *
848      * @param key key with which the string form of value is to be associated.
849      * @param value value whose string form is to be associated with key.
850      * @throws NullPointerException if key or value is {@code null}.
851      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key.length() exceeds MAX_KEY_LENGTH
852      *         or if value.length exceeds MAX_VALUE_LENGTH*3/4.
853      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
854      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
855      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains
856      *         the null control character, code point U+0000.
857      * @see #getByteArray(String,byte[])
858      * @see #get(String,String)
859      */
860     public abstract void putByteArray(String key, byte[] value);
861 
862     /**
863      * Returns the byte array value represented by the string associated with
864      * the specified key in this preference node.  Valid strings are
865      * <i>Base64</i> encoded binary data, as defined in <a
866      * href=http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2045.txt>RFC 2045</a>, Section 6.8,
867      * with one minor change: the string must consist solely of characters
868      * from the <i>Base64 Alphabet</i>; no newline characters or
869      * extraneous characters are permitted.  This method is intended for use
870      * in conjunction with {@link #putByteArray}.
871      *
872      * <p>Returns the specified default if there is no value
873      * associated with the key, the backing store is inaccessible, or if the
874      * associated value is not a valid Base64 encoded byte array
875      * (as defined above).
876      *
877      * <p>If the implementation supports <i>stored defaults</i> and such a
878      * default exists and is accessible, it is used in preference to the
879      * specified default, unless the stored default is not a valid Base64
880      * encoded byte array (as defined above), in which case the
881      * specified default is used.
882      *
883      * @param key key whose associated value is to be returned as a byte array.
884      * @param def the value to be returned in the event that this
885      *        preference node has no value associated with {@code key}
886      *        or the associated value cannot be interpreted as a byte array,
887      *        or the backing store is inaccessible.
888      * @return the byte array value represented by the string associated with
889      *         {@code key} in this preference node, or {@code def} if the
890      *         associated value does not exist or cannot be interpreted as
891      *         a byte array.
892      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
893      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
894      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code key} is {@code null}.  (A
895      *         {@code null} value for {@code def} <i>is</i> permitted.)
896      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if key contains the null control
897      *         character, code point U+0000.
898      * @see #get(String,String)
899      * @see #putByteArray(String,byte[])
900      */
901     public abstract byte[] getByteArray(String key, byte[] def);
902 
903     /**
904      * Returns all of the keys that have an associated value in this
905      * preference node.  (The returned array will be of size zero if
906      * this node has no preferences.)
907      *
908      * <p>If the implementation supports <i>stored defaults</i> and there
909      * are any such defaults at this node that have not been overridden,
910      * by explicit preferences, the defaults are returned in the array in
911      * addition to any explicit preferences.
912      *
913      * @return an array of the keys that have an associated value in this
914      *         preference node.
915      * @throws BackingStoreException if this operation cannot be completed
916      *         due to a failure in the backing store, or inability to
917      *         communicate with it.
918      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
919      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
920      */
921     public abstract String[] keys() throws BackingStoreException;
922 
923     /**
924      * Returns the names of the children of this preference node, relative to
925      * this node.  (The returned array will be of size zero if this node has
926      * no children.)
927      *
928      * @return the names of the children of this preference node.
929      * @throws BackingStoreException if this operation cannot be completed
930      *         due to a failure in the backing store, or inability to
931      *         communicate with it.
932      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
933      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
934      */
935     public abstract String[] childrenNames() throws BackingStoreException;
936 
937     /**
938      * Returns the parent of this preference node, or {@code null} if this is
939      * the root.
940      *
941      * @return the parent of this preference node.
942      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
943      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
944      */
945     public abstract Preferences parent();
946 
947     /**
948      * Returns the named preference node in the same tree as this node,
949      * creating it and any of its ancestors if they do not already exist.
950      * Accepts a relative or absolute path name.  Relative path names
951      * (which do not begin with the slash character {@code ('/')}) are
952      * interpreted relative to this preference node.
953      *
954      * <p>If the returned node did not exist prior to this call, this node and
955      * any ancestors that were created by this call are not guaranteed
956      * to become permanent until the {@code flush} method is called on
957      * the returned node (or one of its ancestors or descendants).
958      *
959      * @param pathName the path name of the preference node to return.
960      * @return the specified preference node.
961      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if the path name is invalid (i.e.,
962      *         it contains multiple consecutive slash characters, or ends
963      *         with a slash character and is more than one character long).
964      * @throws NullPointerException if path name is {@code null}.
965      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
966      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
967      * @see #flush()
968      */
969     public abstract Preferences node(String pathName);
970 
971     /**
972      * Returns true if the named preference node exists in the same tree
973      * as this node.  Relative path names (which do not begin with the slash
974      * character {@code ('/')}) are interpreted relative to this preference
975      * node.
976      *
977      * <p>If this node (or an ancestor) has already been removed with the
978      * {@link #removeNode()} method, it <i>is</i> legal to invoke this method,
979      * but only with the path name {@code ""}; the invocation will return
980      * {@code false}.  Thus, the idiom {@code p.nodeExists("")} may be
981      * used to test whether {@code p} has been removed.
982      *
983      * @param pathName the path name of the node whose existence
984      *        is to be checked.
985      * @return true if the specified node exists.
986      * @throws BackingStoreException if this operation cannot be completed
987      *         due to a failure in the backing store, or inability to
988      *         communicate with it.
989      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if the path name is invalid (i.e.,
990      *         it contains multiple consecutive slash characters, or ends
991      *         with a slash character and is more than one character long).
992      * @throws NullPointerException if path name is {@code null}.
993      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
994      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method and
995      *         {@code pathName} is not the empty string ({@code ""}).
996      */
997     public abstract boolean nodeExists(String pathName)
998         throws BackingStoreException;
999 
1000     /**
1001      * Removes this preference node and all of its descendants, invalidating
1002      * any preferences contained in the removed nodes.  Once a node has been
1003      * removed, attempting any method other than {@link #name()},
1004      * {@link #absolutePath()}, {@link #isUserNode()}, {@link #flush()} or
1005      * {@link #node(String) nodeExists("")} on the corresponding
1006      * {@code Preferences} instance will fail with an
1007      * {@code IllegalStateException}.  (The methods defined on {@link Object}
1008      * can still be invoked on a node after it has been removed; they will not
1009      * throw {@code IllegalStateException}.)
1010      *
1011      * <p>The removal is not guaranteed to be persistent until the
1012      * {@code flush} method is called on this node (or an ancestor).
1013      *
1014      * <p>If this implementation supports <i>stored defaults</i>, removing a
1015      * node exposes any stored defaults at or below this node.  Thus, a
1016      * subsequent call to {@code nodeExists} on this node's path name may
1017      * return {@code true}, and a subsequent call to {@code node} on this
1018      * path name may return a (different) {@code Preferences} instance
1019      * representing a non-empty collection of preferences and/or children.
1020      *
1021      * @throws BackingStoreException if this operation cannot be completed
1022      *         due to a failure in the backing store, or inability to
1023      *         communicate with it.
1024      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has already
1025      *         been removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
1026      * @throws UnsupportedOperationException if this method is invoked on
1027      *         the root node.
1028      * @see #flush()
1029      */
1030     public abstract void removeNode() throws BackingStoreException;
1031 
1032     /**
1033      * Returns this preference node's name, relative to its parent.
1034      *
1035      * @return this preference node's name, relative to its parent.
1036      */
1037     public abstract String name();
1038 
1039     /**
1040      * Returns this preference node's absolute path name.
1041      *
1042      * @return this preference node's absolute path name.
1043      */
1044     public abstract String absolutePath();
1045 
1046     /**
1047      * Returns {@code true} if this preference node is in the user
1048      * preference tree, {@code false} if it's in the system preference tree.
1049      *
1050      * @return {@code true} if this preference node is in the user
1051      *         preference tree, {@code false} if it's in the system
1052      *         preference tree.
1053      */
1054     public abstract boolean isUserNode();
1055 
1056     /**
1057      * Returns a string representation of this preferences node,
1058      * as if computed by the expression:{@code (this.isUserNode() ? "User" :
1059      * "System") + " Preference Node: " + this.absolutePath()}.
1060      */
1061     public abstract String toString();
1062 
1063     /**
1064      * Forces any changes in the contents of this preference node and its
1065      * descendants to the persistent store.  Once this method returns
1066      * successfully, it is safe to assume that all changes made in the
1067      * subtree rooted at this node prior to the method invocation have become
1068      * permanent.
1069      *
1070      * <p>Implementations are free to flush changes into the persistent store
1071      * at any time.  They do not need to wait for this method to be called.
1072      *
1073      * <p>When a flush occurs on a newly created node, it is made persistent,
1074      * as are any ancestors (and descendants) that have yet to be made
1075      * persistent.  Note however that any preference value changes in
1076      * ancestors are <i>not</i> guaranteed to be made persistent.
1077      *
1078      * <p> If this method is invoked on a node that has been removed with
1079      * the {@link #removeNode()} method, flushSpi() is invoked on this node,
1080      * but not on others.
1081      *
1082      * @throws BackingStoreException if this operation cannot be completed
1083      *         due to a failure in the backing store, or inability to
1084      *         communicate with it.
1085      * @see    #sync()
1086      */
1087     public abstract void flush() throws BackingStoreException;
1088 
1089     /**
1090      * Ensures that future reads from this preference node and its
1091      * descendants reflect any changes that were committed to the persistent
1092      * store (from any VM) prior to the {@code sync} invocation.  As a
1093      * side-effect, forces any changes in the contents of this preference node
1094      * and its descendants to the persistent store, as if the {@code flush}
1095      * method had been invoked on this node.
1096      *
1097      * @throws BackingStoreException if this operation cannot be completed
1098      *         due to a failure in the backing store, or inability to
1099      *         communicate with it.
1100      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
1101      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
1102      * @see    #flush()
1103      */
1104     public abstract void sync() throws BackingStoreException;
1105 
1106     /**
1107      * Registers the specified listener to receive <i>preference change
1108      * events</i> for this preference node.  A preference change event is
1109      * generated when a preference is added to this node, removed from this
1110      * node, or when the value associated with a preference is changed.
1111      * (Preference change events are <i>not</i> generated by the {@link
1112      * #removeNode()} method, which generates a <i>node change event</i>.
1113      * Preference change events <i>are</i> generated by the {@code clear}
1114      * method.)
1115      *
1116      * <p>Events are only guaranteed for changes made within the same JVM
1117      * as the registered listener, though some implementations may generate
1118      * events for changes made outside this JVM.  Events may be generated
1119      * before the changes have been made persistent.  Events are not generated
1120      * when preferences are modified in descendants of this node; a caller
1121      * desiring such events must register with each descendant.
1122      *
1123      * @param pcl The preference change listener to add.
1124      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code pcl} is null.
1125      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
1126      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
1127      * @see #removePreferenceChangeListener(PreferenceChangeListener)
1128      * @see #addNodeChangeListener(NodeChangeListener)
1129      */
1130     public abstract void addPreferenceChangeListener(
1131         PreferenceChangeListener pcl);
1132 
1133     /**
1134      * Removes the specified preference change listener, so it no longer
1135      * receives preference change events.
1136      *
1137      * @param pcl The preference change listener to remove.
1138      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code pcl} was not a registered
1139      *         preference change listener on this node.
1140      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
1141      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
1142      * @see #addPreferenceChangeListener(PreferenceChangeListener)
1143      */
1144     public abstract void removePreferenceChangeListener(
1145         PreferenceChangeListener pcl);
1146 
1147     /**
1148      * Registers the specified listener to receive <i>node change events</i>
1149      * for this node.  A node change event is generated when a child node is
1150      * added to or removed from this node.  (A single {@link #removeNode()}
1151      * invocation results in multiple <i>node change events</i>, one for every
1152      * node in the subtree rooted at the removed node.)
1153      *
1154      * <p>Events are only guaranteed for changes made within the same JVM
1155      * as the registered listener, though some implementations may generate
1156      * events for changes made outside this JVM.  Events may be generated
1157      * before the changes have become permanent.  Events are not generated
1158      * when indirect descendants of this node are added or removed; a
1159      * caller desiring such events must register with each descendant.
1160      *
1161      * <p>Few guarantees can be made regarding node creation.  Because nodes
1162      * are created implicitly upon access, it may not be feasible for an
1163      * implementation to determine whether a child node existed in the backing
1164      * store prior to access (for example, because the backing store is
1165      * unreachable or cached information is out of date).  Under these
1166      * circumstances, implementations are neither required to generate node
1167      * change events nor prohibited from doing so.
1168      *
1169      * @param ncl The {@code NodeChangeListener} to add.
1170      * @throws NullPointerException if {@code ncl} is null.
1171      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
1172      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
1173      * @see #removeNodeChangeListener(NodeChangeListener)
1174      * @see #addPreferenceChangeListener(PreferenceChangeListener)
1175      */
1176     public abstract void addNodeChangeListener(NodeChangeListener ncl);
1177 
1178     /**
1179      * Removes the specified {@code NodeChangeListener}, so it no longer
1180      * receives change events.
1181      *
1182      * @param ncl The {@code NodeChangeListener} to remove.
1183      * @throws IllegalArgumentException if {@code ncl} was not a registered
1184      *         {@code NodeChangeListener} on this node.
1185      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
1186      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
1187      * @see #addNodeChangeListener(NodeChangeListener)
1188      */
1189     public abstract void removeNodeChangeListener(NodeChangeListener ncl);
1190 
1191     /**
1192      * Emits on the specified output stream an XML document representing all
1193      * of the preferences contained in this node (but not its descendants).
1194      * This XML document is, in effect, an offline backup of the node.
1195      *
1196      * <p>The XML document will have the following DOCTYPE declaration:
1197      * <pre>{@code
1198      * <!DOCTYPE preferences SYSTEM "http://java.sun.com/dtd/preferences.dtd">
1199      * }</pre>
1200      * The UTF-8 character encoding will be used.
1201      *
1202      * <p>This method is an exception to the general rule that the results of
1203      * concurrently executing multiple methods in this class yields
1204      * results equivalent to some serial execution.  If the preferences
1205      * at this node are modified concurrently with an invocation of this
1206      * method, the exported preferences comprise a "fuzzy snapshot" of the
1207      * preferences contained in the node; some of the concurrent modifications
1208      * may be reflected in the exported data while others may not.
1209      *
1210      * @param os the output stream on which to emit the XML document.
1211      * @throws IOException if writing to the specified output stream
1212      *         results in an {@code IOException}.
1213      * @throws BackingStoreException if preference data cannot be read from
1214      *         backing store.
1215      * @see    #importPreferences(InputStream)
1216      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
1217      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
1218      */
1219     public abstract void exportNode(OutputStream os)
1220         throws IOException, BackingStoreException;
1221 
1222     /**
1223      * Emits an XML document representing all of the preferences contained
1224      * in this node and all of its descendants.  This XML document is, in
1225      * effect, an offline backup of the subtree rooted at the node.
1226      *
1227      * <p>The XML document will have the following DOCTYPE declaration:
1228      * <pre>{@code
1229      * <!DOCTYPE preferences SYSTEM "http://java.sun.com/dtd/preferences.dtd">
1230      * }</pre>
1231      * The UTF-8 character encoding will be used.
1232      *
1233      * <p>This method is an exception to the general rule that the results of
1234      * concurrently executing multiple methods in this class yields
1235      * results equivalent to some serial execution.  If the preferences
1236      * or nodes in the subtree rooted at this node are modified concurrently
1237      * with an invocation of this method, the exported preferences comprise a
1238      * "fuzzy snapshot" of the subtree; some of the concurrent modifications
1239      * may be reflected in the exported data while others may not.
1240      *
1241      * @param os the output stream on which to emit the XML document.
1242      * @throws IOException if writing to the specified output stream
1243      *         results in an {@code IOException}.
1244      * @throws BackingStoreException if preference data cannot be read from
1245      *         backing store.
1246      * @throws IllegalStateException if this node (or an ancestor) has been
1247      *         removed with the {@link #removeNode()} method.
1248      * @see    #importPreferences(InputStream)
1249      * @see    #exportNode(OutputStream)
1250      */
1251     public abstract void exportSubtree(OutputStream os)
1252         throws IOException, BackingStoreException;
1253 
1254     /**
1255      * Imports all of the preferences represented by the XML document on the
1256      * specified input stream.  The document may represent user preferences or
1257      * system preferences.  If it represents user preferences, the preferences
1258      * will be imported into the calling user's preference tree (even if they
1259      * originally came from a different user's preference tree).  If any of
1260      * the preferences described by the document inhabit preference nodes that
1261      * do not exist, the nodes will be created.
1262      *
1263      * <p>The XML document must have the following DOCTYPE declaration:
1264      * <pre>{@code
1265      * <!DOCTYPE preferences SYSTEM "http://java.sun.com/dtd/preferences.dtd">
1266      * }</pre>
1267      * (This method is designed for use in conjunction with
1268      * {@link #exportNode(OutputStream)} and
1269      * {@link #exportSubtree(OutputStream)}.
1270      *
1271      * <p>This method is an exception to the general rule that the results of
1272      * concurrently executing multiple methods in this class yields
1273      * results equivalent to some serial execution.  The method behaves
1274      * as if implemented on top of the other public methods in this class,
1275      * notably {@link #node(String)} and {@link #put(String, String)}.
1276      *
1277      * @param is the input stream from which to read the XML document.
1278      * @throws IOException if reading from the specified input stream
1279      *         results in an {@code IOException}.
1280      * @throws InvalidPreferencesFormatException Data on input stream does not
1281      *         constitute a valid XML document with the mandated document type.
1282      * @throws SecurityException If a security manager is present and
1283      *         it denies {@code RuntimePermission("preferences")}.
1284      * @see    RuntimePermission
1285      */
1286     public static void importPreferences(InputStream is)
1287         throws IOException, InvalidPreferencesFormatException
1288     {
1289         XmlSupport.importPreferences(is);
1290     }
1291 }
1292