Why does the default IntelliJ default class javadoc comment use non-standard syntax?

I'm not sure why Idea doesn't use the @author tag by default.

But you can change this behavior by going to File -> Settings -> File Templates and editing the File Header entry in the Includes tab.

As of IDEA 14 it's: File -> Settings -> Editor -> File and Code Templates -> Includes -> File Header

In AndroidStuido 1.0.2 on Mac

Go in Preferences then on left span File and Code Templates After selecting file and code templates on right hand side select includes tab select file Header and change your file header.

The default is readable, usable, but does not adhere to or suggest any coding standard.

I think the reason IntelliJ doesn't use the Javadoc tags in the default, is so that it avoids possible interference with any coding/javadoc standards that might exist in development shops. It should be obvious to the user if the default needs to be modified to something more appropriate.

Where I am working, the use of author tags is discouraged, for various reasons.

Because it's a default file template that you're supposed to change to your organization's standard, or your tastes.

My best guess.

It is likely that the header snippet you show is older than javadoc and was just borrowed from some coding standard document, probably written for C++.