title: Learning NetBeans platform: annotations vs layer.xml file
body: <p>I am in the early stages of learning the NetBeans platform. I note that NetBeans 7.0 makes extensive use of annotations to register classes, specify window modes etc. This is a nice feature, but the learning materials that I've found so far (<a href="https://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/com/0132354802" rel="noreferrer" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Rich Client Programming</a>, <a href="http://www.apress.com/9781430224174" rel="noreferrer">The Definitive Guide</a>, the tutorials at netbeans.org, and the latest <a href="http://refcardz.dzone.com/refcardz/netbeans-platform-70" rel="noreferrer">refcard</a>) all make extensive reference to inspecting and editing the layer.xml file. Since I'm still in the lower foothills of the learning curve I'm finding it hard to juggle annotated code with layer file examples.</p>
  
  <p>I'm considering dropping back to a 6.x version of NetBeans while learning, to be in sync with the books and tutorials, at least until I get the core API and basic practices under my belt. I'd appreciate hearing from experienced NetBeans platform users and developers on whether that's sensible, or if it might be better, in the long term, to stick with NetBeans 7 from the beginning.</p>