If you're considering using JavaHelp as a Help format, take a look at some of its advantages and other functionality factors described below.
Platform independent: JavaHelp is written entirely in the Java programming language giving it the ability to run on any platform that supports the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and has the JavaHelp viewer installed.
Customizable and extensible: Developers can use existing JFC components to customize and extend JavaHelp. This flexibility provides developers with the framework to create custom user interfaces and functionality within JavaHelp projects.
Familiar user interface: JavaHelp Help systems contain a user interface that is similar to the Microsoft HTML Help viewer. The following popular features are supported in JavaHelp:
Table of contents
Index
Full-text search
Customizable display window
Compressed project file (.JAR file)
Context-sensitive Help
New software: JavaHelp is comprised of new technology that is being changed and updated. As with any new software, early adopters serve as "testers" and usually endure some problems and bugs as they work with the product.
Limited features: Many features commonly included in Help authoring tools such as the ability to create special effects, use a wide variety of custom colors and design detailed tables are not supported in JavaHelp 1.0 and 1.1. They may be available in the future.
Customization takes time: JavaHelp provides a basic, familiar user interface that works well for most JavaHelp projects. In many cases, though, authors, developers, and managers will want a more professional Help system that supports advanced features. This customization work requires the time of developers, who often face heavy time constraints.
Printing: You cannot print topics from the JavaHelp Help viewer in JavaHelp 1.0. In JavaHelp 1.1 or later, a print button is included on the JavaHelp viewer toolbar so you can print topics. (For the best printing results in your application's Help, Java Development Kit (JDK) 1.2.2-002 must be used in the application. JDK 1.2.2-002 is available in the JavaHelp 1.1 Beta JRE folder.)
HotJava browser: HotJava is a Web browser developed by Sun Microsystems. JavaHelp uses the HotJava browser to render HTML code. HotJava is an acceptable browser, but is not as powerful as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.