IntelliJ IDEA 11.0 Web Help

A library is a set of class files stored in an archive or directory.

Optionally, a library can include the source code of the classes contained in the library. Note, however, that IntelliJ IDEA won't attempt to use the source code to rebuild the library. IntelliJ IDEA uses the source code to provide the same level of integration with libraries as it does with your own classes.

When the source code is available, IntelliJ IDEA can provide inline documentation that it extracts from the source code.

There are several types of libraries in IntelliJ IDEA depending on the storage location.

Module Library
The record of a module library exists in a module file only. In other words, the library classes are visible only in this module and the library information is recorded in the module *.iml file.

In technical terms, the list of module libraries, generally, is the classpath for the module, with optional source file and JavaDoc attachments. There may also be the libraries that, at compile time, correspond to the module bootclasspath. For more information, see Processing Order.

Project Library
A project library is described in the project file. The library classes are visible within the project. To refer to a project library, each module file has a record with the name of this library. Project library definitions can be shared by sharing the project file.
Global Library
A global library is recorded in the applicationLibraries.xml file under <User Home>/.IntelliJIdea/config/options. Global libraries can be used by any project. In other respects, they are similar to project libraries.

The following is available only in the Ultimate edition of IntelliJ IDEA

Application Server Library
Application server libraries let you use application server resources in your modules. The records of the application server libraries are added to the module file.

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