Richard Martin: In item 29 you state that variables should be declared as close as possible to the place where they are actually used. This contradicts section 6.3 of the Java Code Conventions document which states that you should "Put declarations only at the beginning of blocks". Whilst I completely agree with your reasoning and much prefer the approach you recommend, I am confused as to the lack of a clear recommendation from Sun on this.
Josh Bloch: Bluntly put, I think the Code Conventions doc is wrong on this point. More generally, I wouldn't take that document too seriously. It is not actively maintained or used at Sun.
