VisualAge for Java Glossary

A
AccessApp
Generated by the Data Access Builder for each schema mapping, an executable GUI that provides access to the database using the other classes generated for the mapping.
Access Builder for SAP R/3
A VisualAge for Java ToolKit for developing Java beans, Java applications, or Java applets that access SAP business objects.  The Access Builder for SAP R/3 consists of R/3 Access Classes, Business Object Repository Access Classes, Logon Java beans, and the Access Builder tool. 
administrator
See repository administrator.
agent
In Domino, a stand-alone program that performs a specific task in a database.
AgentRunner
A tool that allows developers to debug agent code within VisualAge for Java (outside Domino) by providing the IDE with a previously saved agent context and a main entry point.
applet
A Java program designed to run within a Web browser. Contrast with application.
application
In Java programming, a self-contained, stand-alone Java program that includes a static main method.  It does not require an applet viewer.  Contrast with applet.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange.  A standard assignment of 7-bit numeric codes to characters.  See also Unicode.
attribute
In Data Access Builder, the aspect of a schema mapping that represents a column in a database table.
B
baseline
The common set of package and class editions upon which a development team builds an application.  Package and class owners release their editions to update the team baseline; developers replace the editions in their workspaces to synchronize with the team baseline.  Baselines typically signify a point of progress.
base type
In Java, a type that establishes an interface to anything inherited from itself.   See type, derived type.
bean
A definition or instance of a JavaBeans component. See JavaBeans.
BeanInfo
(1) A Java class that provides explicit information about the properties, events, and methods of a bean class. (2) In the Integrated Development Environment, a page in the class browser that provides bean information.
beans palette
In the Visual Composition Editor, a two-column pane that contains prefabricated beans that you can select and manipulate to create programs. The default set of beans generally represent JDK AWT components. You can add your own categories and beans to the beans palette.
BO Proxy Beans
The proxy classes to SAP business objects generated with the Access Builder for SAP R/3.  When generating the BO Proxy Beans, the Access Builder for SAP R/3 also generates proxy classes that map the used tables, structures, and container classes for method parameters. The term BO Proxy Classes is sometimes used to describe all proxy classes generated by the Access Builder for a given SAP business object
BOR Access Classes
Classes that retrieve information from the Business Object Repository (BOR).   The BOR contains all information on SAP business objects, such as attributes, methods, and events.  The Access Builder uses the BOR Access Classes to retrieve the information required to generate BO Proxy Classes.  The generated proxy classes do not depend on the BOR Access Classes, only on the R/3 Access Classes.
breakpoint
A point set in the code that determines where execution of the code will stop and a debugger will be invoked.
browser
(1) In VisualAge for Java, a window that provides information on program elements. There are browsers for projects, packages, classes, methods, and interfaces. (2) An Internet-based tool that lets users browse Web sites.
Business Application Programming Interface (BAPI)
Methods that SAP business objects use for such tasks as creating and changing a "customer order" from inside or outside R/3, for example through Internet applications.
business object
(1) An object that represents a business function.  Business objects contain attributes that define the state of the object, and methods that define the behavior of the object.   A business object also has relationships with other business objects.  Business objects can be used in combination to perform a desired task.  Typical examples of business objects are Customer, Invoice, or Account.  (2) In the Enterprise Access Builder, a class that implements the IBusinessObject interface. Business objects are used to map interactions with an existing host application. Business objects are either managed or unmanaged. Managed business objects have a key object that only permits the existence of one instance of the business object class at any time per execution context. A key must implement the IBusinessObjectKey interface. An unmanaged business object is a class that implements the IBusinessObject interface, but has no key object.
Business Object Repository (BOR)
A representation of the business data, transactions, and events within the R/3 system as an integrated set of SAP business objects.  The BOR manages these objects, which are related to each other in object models.  The BOR anticipates future requirements for R/3 systems architecture and integration.  It also provides the basis for embracing distributed object standards, such as COM/DCOM and CORBA.
bytecode
Machine-independent code generated by the Java compiler and executed by the Java interpreter.

C

C++ Access Builder
A VisualAge for Java Enterprise tool that generates beans and C++ wrappers that let your Java programs access C++ DLLs.
CICS Client
A server program that processes CICS ECI calls, forwarding transaction requests to a CICS program running on a host.
CICS ECI 
An API that provides C and C++ programs with procedural access to transactions.
CICS Gateway for Java
A server program that processes Java ECI calls and forwards CICS ECI calls to the CICS Client.
class
An encapsulated collection of data and methods to operate on the data.  A class may be instantiated to produce an object that is an instance of the class.
class hierarchy
The relationships between classes that share a single inheritance. All Java classes inherit from the Object class.
class owner
In team programming, the member of the development team who is responsible for the quality of a particular class or interface.  Only the owner can release the class or interface into its containing package.
class path
When running a program in VisualAge for Java, a list of directories and JAR files that contain resource files or Java classes that a program can load dynamically at run time.   A program's class path is set in its Properties notebook.
CLASSPATH
In your deployment environment, the environment variable keyword that specifies the directories in which to look for class and resource files.
client
A networked computer in which the IDE is connected to a repository on a team server.
client-side server proxy
Generated by the RMI Access Builder, a local representative of a remote server bean. This proxy provides access to the operations of the server bean, allowing a Java client to work with it as if it were the server bean.
clone window
An identical instance of the current window.
command
In the Enterprise Access Builder, the representation of a single interaction with a host system. A command is a composite, the main elements being connection specification, interaction specification, input bean, and output bean. You can construct a command in the Visual Composition Editor, or by using the Command Composer SmartGuide.
COMMAREA
See communications area.
commit
The operation that ends a unit of work and updates the database so that other processes can access any changes made.
Common Connector Framework
In the Enterprise Access Builder, interface and class definitions that provide a consistent means of interacting with enterprise resources (for example, CICS and Encina transactions) from any Java execution environment.
Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA)
A vendor-independent specification that defines how objects interoperate over a network.
Common RFC Interface for Java
A set of Java interfaces and classes that defines a middleware-independent layer to access R/3 systems from Java.  If applications are built on top of this interface, they can leverage different middleware at run time without recoding.  The generated beans are based on this interface and provide the same flexibility.
communication
The interface definition in the Common Connector Framework, and the implementation of the interface by the various connectors. It provides the common way of communicating with a host system.
communications area (COMMAREA)
In a CICS transaction program, a group of records that describes both the format and volume of data used.
compilation context
The class you choose to contain a Java code fragment when you compile and run it in the Scrapbook.
component model
An architecture and an API that allows developers to define reusable segments of code that can be combined to create a program. VisualAge for Java uses the JavaBeans component model.
composite bean
A bean that can contain both visual and nonvisual components.  A composite bean is composed of embedded beans.
configuration
The combination of package or class editions that make up a particular edition of a project or package, respectively.  Project and package configurations are updated when a package or class is created, released, or deleted.
connection
In the Visual Composition Editor, a visual link between two components that represents the relationship between the components. Each connection has a source, a target, and other properties.
connection specification
The interface definition in the Common Connector Framework, and the implementation of the interface by the various connectors. A concrete connection specification lets you specify all properties to create a specific communication. It allows you to create a new communication configured with properties that allow the communication to connect to a specific host system.
connector
In the Enterprise Access Builder, a specific implementation of the Common Connector Framework that wraps the client/server APIs of various resource managers in a way that both provides a consistent programming interface, and supports product-specific capabilities and host-system control.
connector Run-Time Context
A set of interfaces and classes in the Common Connector Framework that allows a connector implementation to abstract from the concrete environment that it is running in. A concrete implementation is provided for a fat Java application scenario. Specific infrastructures (for example, Component Broker) that want to make use of the connectors have to provide their own specific implementation.
Console
In VisualAge for Java, the window that acts as the standard input (System.in) and standard output (System.out) device for programs running in the VisualAge for Java environment.
constructor
A method called to set up a new instance of a class.
container
A component that can hold other components. In Java, examples of containers include applets, frames, and dialogs.  In the Visual Composition Editor, containers can be graphically represented and generated. 
cookie 
Persistent data stored by the client in the Servlet Builder.
cooperative debugger 
The debugger used when debugging programs developed for the AS/400 system.
CORBA 
Common Objects Request Broker Architecture.
cursor
A database control structure used by the Data Access Builder to point to a specific row within some ordered set of rows and to retrieve rows from a set, possibly making updates or deletions.

D

Data Access Bean
In the Visual Composition Editor, a bean that accesses and manipulates the content of JDBC/ODBC-compliant relational databases.
Data Access Builder
A VisualAge for Java Enterprise tool that generates beans to access and manipulate the content of JDBC/ODBC-compliant relational databases.
debuggee
The program or module being debugged.
debugger
A component that assists in analyzing and correcting coding errors.
default package
In the Integrated Development Environment, the package in a project that has no user-defined name. There can only be one default package in a project. For example, imported class files that do not specify a package are placed in the default package.
derived type
In Java, a type that overrides the definitions of a base type to provide unique behavior.
developer
In team development, the person who created an edition of a class or interface.  Only the developer can version the class or interface.
DLL (dynamic link library)
A file containing executable code and data bound to a program at load time or run time, rather than during linking.  The code and data in a dynamic link library can be shared by several applications simultaneously.  The C++ Access Builder generates beans and C++ wrappers that let your Java programs access C++ DLLs.  Enterprise Access Builders also generate platform-specific DLLs for the workstation and OS/390 platforms.  
dynamic record type
In the Enterprise Access Builder, a one-dimensional representation of the data structure of user-defined parts of a host application. A dynamic record type can be generated by one of the Create RecordType SmartGuides (for example, the Create COBOL RecordType SmartGuide) or can be hand-coded. Dynamic record types can be modified in the Record Editor.

E

EAB
Enterprise Access Builder.
edition
A specific "cut" of a program element. VisualAge for Java supports multiple editions of program elements. See open edition, versioned edition, and scratch edition.
embedded bean
A bean dropped into another bean in the Visual Composition Editor.  The embedded bean can be a single component or a composite bean.
EMSRV repository server
See repository server.
EMSRV user
In the team environment, the operating system account under whose privileges the repository server program runs. 
EMSRV working directory
In the team environment, a team server default directory used by the repository server to locate shared repositories and to write its log.
Enterprise ToolKit
A set of VisualAge for Java Enterprise tools that enable you to develop Java code that is targeted to specific platforms, such as AS/400, OS/390, OS/2, AIX, and Windows.
event
An action by a user, program, or system that may trigger specific behavior. In the JDK, events notify the relevant listener classes to take appropriate action.

F

factory
A bean that dynamically creates instances of beans.
field
A data object in a class; for example, a variable.
framework
A set of object classes that provide a collection of related functions for a user or piece of software.
free-form surface
In the Visual Composition Editor, the large, open area where you can work with visual and nonvisual beans. You add, remove, and connect beans on the free-form surface.
form data
A generated class representing the HTML form elements in a visual servlet.
fully bound object program
On the OS/390 platform, an executable or DLL file that does not require an object file.

H

hit
When a module, a method, a source file, a source code line, or an assembler offset is encountered in a trace, it is registered as a hit.  Hits are used by the Enterprise ToolKit for OS/390 Performance Analyzer.
hook
A point in some code used to control the program under analysis.  Hooks are used by the Enterprise ToolKit for OS/390 Performance Analyzer.

I

IDL (Interface Definition Language)
In CORBA, a declarative language that is used to describe object interfaces, without regard to object implementation.
IDL Development Environment
In VisualAge for Java, an integrated IDL and Java development environment.  The IDL Development Environment allows you to work with IDL source code in the multipane IDLs page and generate Java code using an IDL-to-Java compiler.
IDL group
A container used to hold IDL objects in the IDL Development Environment.  It is similar to a file system directory.
IIOP (Internet Inter-ORB Protocol)
A communications standard for distributed objects that reside in Web or enterprise computing environments.
Inspector
In VisualAge for Java, a window in which you can evaluate code fragments in the context of an object, look at the entire contents of an object and its class, or access and modify the fields of an object.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
In VisualAge for Java, the set of windows that provide the user with access to development tools. The primary windows are the Workbench, Log, Console, Debugger, and Repository Explorer.
interaction specification
The interface definition in the Common Connector Framework, and the implementation of the interface by the various connectors. A concrete interaction specification lets you specify all properties that enable a communication to make a single interaction with a host system.
interface
A list of methods that enables a class to implement the interface itself by using the implements keyword.  The Interfaces page in the Workbench lists all interfaces in the workspace.
Internet Inter-ORB Protocol (IIOP) Access Builder
A tool that edits and generates CORBA-compliant Java modules.  See Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA).

J

JAR file format
JAR (Java Archive) is a platform-independent file format that aggregates many files into one.  Multiple Java applets and their requisite components (.class files, images, sounds and other resource files) can be bundled in a JAR file and subsequently downloaded to a browser in a single HTTP transaction. 
JavaBeans
A portable, platform-independent reusable component model.
JavaObjs
In Remote Method Invocation, the name of the user-defined default file that contains a list of server objects to be instantiated when the Remote Object Instance Manager is started.
Java Record Editor
An editor that allows you to construct and refine dynamic record types.
Java Record Framework
A Java framework that describes and converts record data
Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
The part of the Java Runtime Environment responsible for interpreting Java bytecode.
JDBC (Java Database Connectivity)
In the JDK, the specification that defines an API that enables programs to access databases that comply with this standard.
JNI (Java Native Interface)
A native programming interface that allows Java code running inside a Java Virtual Machine (VM) to interoperate with applications and libraries written in other programming languages, such as C and C++.

L

listener
In the JDK, a class that receives and handles events.
load
The act of adding an edition from the repository to the workspace.
Log
In the IDE, the window that displays messages and warnings during development.

M

mapper
In the Enterprise Access Builder, a class that maps the properties of a bean (for example, a record) to or from the properties of a set of beans (for example, business objects). Mappers are constructed in the mapper builder.
mapping
See schema mapping.
method
A fragment of Java code within a class that can be invoked and passed a set of parameters to perform a specific task.

N

named package
In the Integrated Development Environment, a package that has been explicitly named when created. Contrast with default package.
navigator
In the Enterprise Access Builder, a command composed out of other commands that forms a more complex interaction (navigation) with a host system. You construct these complex interactions by interconnecting commands by means of the Visual Composition Editor. See command.
nonvisual bean
A bean that is not visible to the end user in the graphical user interface, but is visually represented on the free-form surface of the Visual Composition Editor during development. Developers can manipulate nonvisual beans only as icons; that is, they cannot edit them in the Visual Composition Editor as they can edit visual beans.  Examples of nonvisual beans include beans for business logic, communication access, and database queries.

O

open edition
An edition of a program element that can still be modified; that is, the edition has not been versioned.
ORB (Object Request Broker)
In object-oriented programming, software that serves as an intermediary by transparently enabling objects to exchange requests and responses.

P

package
A program element that contains classes and interfaces. See also default package and named package.
package group
In team programming, for a specific edition of a package, the group of developers who are authorized to create classes in the package, release classes into the package, and assume ownership of any class in the package.
package owner
In team programming, the member of the development team who is responsible for the quality of a particular edition of a package.  The package owner can add developers to the package group, and can version and release the package into its containing project.
palette
See beans palette.
part
An existing, reusable software component. All parts created with the Visual Composition Editor conform to the JavaBeans component model, and are referred to as beans. See visual bean and nonvisual bean.
partially bound object program
On OS/390 systems, output from a compiler or assembler which is itself executable machine code or is suitable for processing to produce executable machine code.
PDSE (partitioned data set extended) 
On OS/390 systems, a set of separate or partitioned data.
Performance Analyzer
In the Enterprise ToolKit for OS/390, a component that traces the execution of a program and creates a trace file with data such as time stamps, events, and hits.  See also time stamp, trace event, and hit.
persistence
In object models, a condition that allows instances of classes to be stored externally, for example in a relational database.
Persistence Builder
In VisualAge for Java, a persistence framework for object models, which enables the mapping of objects to information stored in relational databases and also provides linkages to legacy data on other systems.
program
In VisualAge for Java, a term that refers to both Java applets and applications.
program element
In VisualAge for Java, a generic term for a project, package, class, interface, or method.
project
In VisualAge for Java, the topmost kind of program element. A project contains Java packages.
project owner
In team programming, the member of the development team who is responsible for the quality for a particular edition of a project.  The project owner can version the project and add, delete, and release packages in the project.
property
An initial setting or characteristic of a bean, for example, a name, font, text, or positional characteristic.
property sheet
In the Visual Composition Editor, a set of name-value pairs that specify the initial appearance and other bean characteristics. A bean's property sheet can be viewed from the Properties secondary window.
proxy bean
A group of client-side and server-side objects that represent a remote server bean. The top-level class that implements the proxy bean is the client-side server proxy. See BO Proxy Beans, client-side server proxy, and server-side server proxy.

R

record bean or class
In the Enterprise Access Builder, Java code generated from a dynamic record type by the Generate Records SmartGuide. A record bean or class contains properties that map to the fields in a record in a host program. Record beans or classes can be used to define input or output for commands in the Enterprise Access Builder.
release
In team programming, the act of updating the configuration of program elements contained in a specific edition of a project or package.  When  package or class owners release modified editions into a containing project or package, they update the team baseline.  See baseline.
reload
The act of replacing an edition in the workspace with a different edition from the repository.
remote debugger
A debugging tool that debugs code on a remote platform.
Remote Function Call (RFC)
SAP's open programmable interface.  External applications and tools can call ABAB/4 functions from the SAP System.  You can also call third party applications from the SAP System using RFC.  RFC is a means for communication that allows implementation on all R/3 platforms.
Remote Object Instance Manager
In Remote Method Invocation, a program that creates and manages instances of server beans through their associated server-side server proxies.
repository
In VisualAge for Java, the permanent storage area containing all open and versioned editions of all program elements, regardless of whether they are currently in the workspace.  The repository contains the source code for classes developed in (and provided with) VisualAge for Java, and the bytecode for classes imported from the file system.  Every time you save a method in the IDE, it is automatically updated in the repository.  See also SCM repository and shared repository.
repository administrator
In team programming, the user who maintains the repository user list and performs repository administration functions.  See also EMSRV user.
Repository Explorer
In VisualAge for Java, the window from which you can view and compare editions of program elements that are in the repository.
repository server (EMSRV)
In team programming, the program on the VisualAge for Java server that manages concurrent user access to one or more shared repositories.
repository user list
In team programming, the list of users who can access a repository.
resource file
A non-code file that may be referred to from your Java program in VisualAge for Java. Examples include graphic and audio files.
RMI (Remote Method Invocation)
In the JDK, the API that allows you to write distributed Java programs, allowing methods of remote Java objects to be accessed from other Java virtual machines.
RMI Access Builder
A VisualAge for Java Enterprise tool that generates proxy beans and associated classes and interfaces so you can distribute code for remote access, enabling Java-to-Java solutions.
RMI compiler
The compiler that generates stub and skeleton files that facilitate RMI communication. This compiler can be automatically invoked by the RMI Access Builder, and can also be invoked from the Tools menu item.
RMI registry
A server program that allows remote clients to get a reference to a server bean.
roll back
The process of restoring data changed by SQL statements to the state at its last commit point.

S

schema
In the Data Access Builder and the Persistence Builder, the representation of the database that will be mapped.
schema mapping
In the Data Access Builder, a set of definitions for all attributes matching all the columns for your database table, view, or SQL statement. The mapping contains the information required by the Data Access Builder to generate Java classes.
SCM
See software configuration management.
SCM repository
In VisualAge for Java, a generic term for the data store of any external software configuration management (SCM) tool.  Some SCM tools refer to this as an archive.
Scrapbook
In VisualAge for Java, the window from which you can write, edit, and test fragments of code without having to define an encompassing class or method.
scratch edition
In team programming, a private edition of a project or package.  It is only available to the workspace owner who created it.
server bean
The bean that is distributed using RMI services and is deployed on a server.
server-side server proxy
Generated by the RMI Access Builder, a companion class to the client-side server proxy, facilitating client-side server proxy communication over RMI.
service handler
In the Servlet Builder, an interface for visual servlets.
services
In Persistence Builder, classes that implement the low-level functionality required to store and retrieve objects from the data store.
servlet
Server-side classes that respond to HTTP requests.
session data
In the Servlet Builder, persistent data stored by the HTTP server.
shadow browser
Any browser launched from the Repository Explorer.  Shadow browsers allow you to view, copy, and edit source, but they do not allow you to save any changes. 
shared repository
A repository residing on a VisualAge for Java server, used by a team of developers.   The team clients' workspaces connect to the shared repository.  See also repository and repository server (EMSRV).
SmartGuide
In IBM software products, an active form of help that guides you through common tasks.
software configuration management (SCM)
The tracking and control of software development.  SCM tools typically offer version control and team programming features.
SQL predicate
The conditional part of an SQL statement.
stackframe
In the Visual Age for Java Integrated Debugger, one of several methods that form a stack trace. Stackframes are listed in the Methods pane, in reverse chronological order; that is, the most recent method called is at the top.
sticky
In the Visual Composition Editor, the ability to drop multiple copies of a bean selected only once from the palette.  When sticky is enabled, the mouse pointer remains crosshaired until you select either the Selection tool or another bean from the palette.
stored procedure
A procedure that is part of a relational database. The Data Access Builder can generate Java code that accesses stored procedures.

T

tear-off property
In the Visual Composition Editor, a variable representing a property that allows you to work with that property as if it were a separate bean. 
text deck
On the OS/390 system, a name for a load module used to load a program into central storage for execution. 
thread
A separate flow of control within a program.
time stamp
In the Enterprise ToolKit for OS/390 Performance Analyzer, a record of the precise time at which a trace event occurred during a program's execution.
trace event
An event in some code, such as the entry to a method, set by the Enterprise ToolKit for OS/390 Performance Analyzer as a point for analysis.   
transaction
(1) In a CICS program, an event that queries or modifies a database that resides on a CICS server.  (2) In the Persistence Builder, a representation of a path of code execution.  (3) The code activity necessary to manipulate a persistent object.  For example, a bank application might have a transaction that updates a company account.
type
In VisualAge for Java, a generic term for a class or interface.

U

Unicode
A 16-bit international character set defined by ISO 10646.  See also ASCII.
unresolved problem
In VisualAge for Java, an error marked by an X to the left of the program element name, for example, a declaration or definition problem. You can view all unresolved problems from the Unresolved Problems page in the Workbench.
user list
See repository user list.

V

version
The act of making an open edition a versioned edition, that is, a read-only edition, and naming it.
versioned edition
An edition that can no longer be modified.
visual bean
In the Visual Composition Editor, a bean that is visible to the end user in the graphical user interface.
Visual Composition Editor
In VisualAge for Java, the tool you can use to create graphical user interfaces from prefabricated beans, and to define relationships (called connections) between beans. The Visual Composition Editor is a page in the class browser.
visual servlet
A servlet that is designed to be built using the Visual Composition Editor

W

Workbench
In VisualAge for Java, the main window from which you can manage the workspace, create and modify code, and open browsers and other tools.
workspace
The work area that contains the Java code that you are developing and the class libraries on which your code depends.  Program elements must be added to the workspace from the repository before they can be modified.
workspace owner
In team programming, the team developer currently associated with the workspace on a VisualAge for Java client.  The owner's privileges determine what operations the developer can perform on objects in the shared repository.