Java Programming: Any Ideas for breaking a huge class file into smaller ?

Question

Hello Java pros,
I have some very huge class files, some with dozens of methods; each method containing an average of a screen-page full of code.
Obviously, such huge class files are difficult to maintain inspite of using an IDE, especially when changes have to be made to a bunch of a category of methods scattered all over the class.
I am wondering if there are ways/best-practices out there to make the core class file smaller/smarter - fr eg.
<a> by retaining the real core definitions within the core class and moving the detailed implementation outside the core class
<b> by breaking down the file into more manageable pieces - something to the effect of using 'include' files that some languages support
etc.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Sree Nidhi

Answer 1

If you have huge class files with dozens of methods, maybe the design of your application is not so sound. You could use all kinds of OO design techniques to design your application so that it is easier to maintain.
Start by learning about design patterns. The most famous book about design patterns is this one: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0201633612/qid=1029971487/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/102-4299125-5141710
Here is also a nice book about anti-patterns: http://www.antipatterns.com/
Jesper