The following topics introduce the Microsoft SDK for Java (SDK) to first-time users and explain its contents and features:
What is covered in the SDK documentation?
What is not covered by the SDK?
How can I start using the SDK?
What special things do I need to know?
How do I find information in the SDK documentation?
Microsoft SDK for Java stands for Microsoft Software Development Kit for Java. The SDK contains a collection of Java tools for compiling source code and executing commands, samples that demonstrate the use of Java with other technologies, Java packages, which are collections of classes that share a common namespace, and extensive documentation on the most important SDK features.
Here are some of the ways that you can use the SDK's components.
A Java package is a collection of classes that share a common namespace. The Microsoft SDK for Java contains over 20 packages that let you work with different features of the Java language. The com.ms.com package, for example, covers the Component Object Model (COM) services from Java. The com.ms.security package provides access to classes that control the security system. The com.ms.wfc package enables you to write full-featured Microsoft® Windows®-based applications with the Java programming language, and so on. The Microsoft packages provide access to features that are not included in the standard Java packages. For example, the com.ms.awt package gives you access to Microsoft® Win32® system-level features.
For information on all packages that are included in the SDK, see the Microsoft Packages Reference.
The tools in the %SDKDIR%\Bin directory help you can compile your own source code or sample source code (jvc.exe). You can then execute it from the command line (Jview.exe) or view it in the appletviewer (Appletviewer.exe). You can also sign cabinet files (Signcode.exe), check files for their validity (Chktrust.exe), register Java classes as COM components (Setreg.exe), and much more. Some of the SDK tools are also available in versions that run on Compaq DIGITAL Alpha machines. These tools are located in the %SDKDIR%\BinAlpha directory.
For more detailed information on the tools, see the Tools Reference.
The Microsoft SDK for Java includes over 90 samples that can be used as a reference for Java application development. When you download the SDK, these samples are installed in the %SDKDIR%\Samples folder and its subfolders. A description of each sample, installation, and usage instructions are provided. The Start page in the Samples folder contains an overview of the samples and links to each sample’s description.
The Microsoft SDK for Java documentation, which is located in the %SDKDIR%\Docs directory, provides information for both the experienced Java developer and the beginner:
The Microsoft SDK for Java is not a GUI development environment with menus, buttons, toolbars, and so on. Most of the tools in the SDK are run from the MS-DOS® command line or with executable applications.
The Microsoft SDK for Java assumes some knowledge of command-line–driven compilers and other tools. You can become familiar with these tools by studying a beginner’s Java book, and then compiling and executing its source code with the tools in the Microsoft SDK for Java.
Scripting is not covered in the Microsoft SDK for Java. For detailed information on scripting and Microsoft® JScript® (Microsoft's implementation of the ECMA 262 language specification), visit the JScript home page at http://msdn.microsoft.com/scripting .
If you want to work with a Java development tool and develop your own Java applications or applets, Microsoft® Visual J++® version 6.0 is the best application. With Visual J++ 6.0, developers can rapidly construct Microsoft® Windows®-based applications and components using two-way rapid application development (RAD) tools and WFC, an object-oriented framework that encapsulates and simplifies the Microsoft® Win32® API. For more information or to download Visual J++, see the Visual J++ home page at http://msdn.microsoft.com/visualj/default.asp .
Visit the Microsoft® Technologies for Java home page frequently at http://www.microsoft.com/java/ . Here you can find the latest news and updates to the SDK and the Microsoft virtual machine (Microsoft VM).
To download the SDK, choose Downloads, and then SDK for Java from the menu bar on the Microsoft Technologies for Java home page.
Important If you have Visual J++ installed, you must replace three files in Visual J++ with their SDK versions:
The Finding Information section of the Microsoft SDK for Java documentation contains important information on how to use the documentation's Help Viewer, including using the toolbar buttons, using full text search, finding a Help topic, and much more.
There are a few additional procedures you might need to perform after installing the SDK. All the procedures are performed in the MS-DOS® Command Prompt window.
To open the Command Prompt window
From the Start menu, select Programs, and then select MS-DOS® Command Prompt.
To ensure error-free functioning of the SDK, you should add the \Bin directory to your path.
To check if Setup has automatically added \Bin to your path
In the MS-DOS® Command Prompt window, type Path and press ENTER. If you see %SDKDIR%\Bin on your path, continue as normal.
To set your path manually
In the Command Prompt window, type:
set path=%path%;c:\<directory where SDK is installed>\bin
To view information on the different options of a tool
<tool name> /?
For example, to display help on jview, type:
jview /?
The Microsoft SDK for Java contains two versions of the Java classes: the debug version (ClassD) and the retail version (ClassR).
To install either version of the Java classes
Note You must install the Microsoft VM for Java before you install the classes.
The Microsoft Java compiler directives are optional special comments inserted in source code to aid in Java/COM integration and development. These compiler directives are turned off by default.
To turn on the compiler directives