About the Comparator Package

After you register your custom comparators and you create and compile the comparators and any configuration classes, you need to package the files in a ZIP file so they are available for import into NetBeans. For optimal usage, it is best to package all similar comparators in a unique ZIP file. You can create single packages for each comparator, or combine them into one package.

The ZIP file includes the following:

• The comparator Java classes

• The comparators list file (comparatorsList.xml)

• Any parameter validation classes (only if the comparators take parameters)

• Any data source loading or validation classes (only if the comparators use external data files)

• Any curve adjustment classes (only if the comparators use curve adjustment for weight calculation)

For the ZIP file to have the correct structure, the comparatorsList.xml file should be at the same level as the com folder that contains the Java classes. The following figure shows a sample ZIP file for custom comparators.

Figure 4 Sample Custom Comparator ZIP Package