Of course! Here is a detailed guide on finding and using the Java EE API documentation in CHM format, along with important context about why this format is less common today and what the modern alternatives are.

Summary: The Direct Answer

Finding an official, up-to-date Java EE API documentation in CHM format directly from Oracle is very difficult, if not impossible. Oracle stopped distributing official CHM files years ago. However, you can find community-compiled versions for older Java EE versions (like EE 6 or 7).

The best and most reliable approach today is to use the online HTML documentation from the Eclipse Foundation, which is the current steward of the Java EE specifications (now called Jakarta EE).

Why You Can't Find Official Java EE CHM Anymore

1. Oracle's Shift in Strategy: After acquiring Sun, Oracle moved away from downloadable CHM help files for its core Java SE and EE documentation. The focus shifted to a web-first approach, which is more accessible, searchable, and easier to update.
2. The Java EE to Jakarta EE Transition: In 2025, Oracle transferred the Java EE specification to the Eclipse Foundation. The project was renamed Jakarta EE. This transition meant that all documentation URLs and structures changed. The old java.sun.com and docs.oracle.com/javaee links for CHM files were deprecated and removed.
3. Lack of Maintenance: CHM files are a single, compiled file. Updating them for every minor release is cumbersome. Web documentation can be updated instantly and incrementally.

Where to Find Older CHM Versions (Community-Made)

If you absolutely need a CHM file for an older version of Java EE (e.g., for legacy projects), you might find community-compiled versions. Use these with caution, as they are not official and may contain errors or be outdated.

Typical Search Terms:

• Java EE 6 API.chm
• Java EE 7 API.chm download
• javax.servlet API.chm

Potential Sources (Use at your own risk):

• Archive Sites: Sites like archive.org might have old downloads from forums or personal websites.
• Niche Forums: Some developer forums from the Java EE era might have these files in their download sections.

⚠️ Important Warning: When downloading from unofficial sources, be mindful of security. Only download from reputable sources and scan files with antivirus software.

The Modern and Recommended Approach: Online HTML Documentation

This is the best way to access the most current and accurate API documentation.

For Jakarta EE (The current standard)

The Eclipse Foundation hosts the official documentation. This is the API for Java EE 8 and all newer versions.

• Jakarta EE 10 Specifications: https://jakarta.ee/specifications/
• Jakarta EE 10 API Documentation (Online): https://jakarta.ee/specifications/platform/10/apidocs/

Features of the Online Docs:

• Always up-to-date with the latest release.
• Fully searchable.
• Hyper-linked: Clicking on a class, method, or package takes you directly to its definition.
• Includes "Frames" version: The online viewer often has a frame on the left with a package tree, making navigation very similar to using a CHM file.

For Java EE 8 (The last version under Oracle)

If you are working on an older project that still uses the javax.* packages, you can find the documentation for Java EE 8, which is the final version using those package names.

• Java EE 8 API Documentation (Online): https://jakarta.ee/specifications/platform/8/apidocs/

Note: The URL structure is the same, but the content reflects the Java EE 8 specification with javax packages.

How to Use the Online Documentation Like a CHM File

The online viewer is designed to be a direct replacement for the old CHM format.

1. Navigate by Package: On the left side, you'll see a tree view of all the packages (e.g., jakarta.servlet, jakarta.persistence, jakarta.ejb). Click on a package to see its classes and interfaces.
2. View Class Details: Click on a class name (e.g., jakarta.servlet.http.HttpServlet) to see its full documentation.
3. Use the Search Bar: At the top, there is a search box. You can type a class name (e.g., HttpServletRequest) and press Enter to jump directly to its page.
4. See Method Hierarchies: Each class page lists all its methods, constructors, and inherited members. You can click on a method to see its signature, description, and parameters.

Creating Your Own CHM File (Advanced)

If you have a specific reason to have a local CHM file, you can technically create one from the online documentation. This is a multi-step process and requires specialized tools.

The Process:

1. Download the HTML: Use a website downloader (like wget or a browser extension) to download the entire apidocs directory from the official Jakarta EE site.
2. Create a Project: Use a CHM compiler tool like Microsoft HTML Help Workshop (now outdated but still works) or a modern alternative like HelpNDoc.
3. Compile the Help: Import the downloaded HTML files into the CHM compiler, define the table of contents (TOC) from the left-side navigation tree, and compile the project into a .chm file.

This is a lot of work and generally not recommended unless you have a strong offline requirement and no other option.

Final Recommendation