What Is the Best Naming Convention for Java Packages Without a Domain Name?

What is the best practice for naming Java packages if I do not have a registered domain name?

Java package naming conventions aim to provide unique identifiers for classes and interfaces, typically based on a reverse domain name. However, if you do not possess a registered domain, there are alternative strategies you can adopt to ensure uniqueness and maintain clarity.

// Example of defining a package without using a domain name
package com.johndoe.myproject; // Use initials and project name to ensure uniqueness

public class MyClass {
    // Class implementation
}

Causes

• Lack of a registered domain name for package identification.
• Diverse development environments leading to potential clashes with existing packages.

Solutions

• Use a unique identifier that reflects your name or initials combined with a relevant project name, e.g., 'com.yourname.projectname'.
• Implement a namespace-like structure with random or personal identifiers to avoid naming conflicts, for instance, 'xyz.custompackage'.
• Collaborate with developers in the community to find naming conventions that could work for shared libraries.

Mistake: Using overly generic package names that could collide with existing libraries.

Solution: Include personal or project-specific identifiers to differentiate your package.

Mistake: Neglecting to check if a package name is already used in public repositories such as Maven Central or GitHub.

Solution: Before finalizing a package name, conduct a search on these platforms to avoid conflicts.