Part III

Enterprise JavaBeans
Enterprise Database Applications
Enterprise Deployment
Extensible & Customizable IDE
Support & Help for Developers
Appendix A


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Enterprise JavaBeans

An Enterprise JavaBean is a non-visual bean that runs on a server. The Enterprise JavaBean Wizard will get you started creating Enterprise JavaBeans. It gives you a head start by writing skeleton code for several methods.



To start the Wizard, double-click on the Enterprise JavaBean icon.

The Wizard will let you create Session Bean or Entity Bean.


Wizard to create the necessary skeleton for an EJB

Code for your Enterprise JavaBean is automatically generated

public class Enterprise1 implements SessionBean {
   SessionContext sessionContext;

   public Enterprise1() {
   }

   public void ejbCreate() throws RemoteException, CreateException {
   }

   public void ejbActivate() throws Remote Exception {
   }

   public void ejbPassivate() throws Remote Exception {
   }

   public void ejbRemove() throws Remote Exception {
   }

   public void setSession Context (SessionContext context) throws RemoteException
      sessionContext = context;    }
}

Enterprise Database Applications

DataExpress

JBuilder 2 includes the proven, scalable database architecture called DataExpress, which provides the most robust, pure JDBC database connectivity of any Java development environment. With DataExpress, developers will be able to use the JBuilder flexible drag-and-drop data-aware components and visual design tools to build sophisticated database applications and applets using industry-standard JDBC database connectivity.

A technical white paper discussing JBuilder advanced DataExpress architecture is available on Inprise Online at http://www.inprise.com/jbuilder/

The Quickest Way to Create Robust Java Business Applications

A business application is any application that accesses stored corporate data and allows you to view and update that data. In most cases, the data is stored in a database. However, data can also be stored in files as text, or in some other format. JBuilder 2 allows you to access this information and manipulate it using properties, methods, and events defined in the dataSet package of the JavaBeans Component Library (JBCL) or dbSwing.

The powerful JBuilder 2 DataExpress database management is focused on building all-Java client/server applications and applets for the Internet or intranet. Because applications you build in JBuilder 2 are all-Java at runtime, they are platform-independent.

Only JBuilder 2 applications can communicate with database servers through different technologies: Pure JDBC, JDBC:ODBC Bridge, and native connections. JBuilder 2 lets developers select the technology of their choice.

Pure Java JDBC Drivers

JBuilder 2 supports the pure JDBC API, JavaSoft database connectivity specification. JDBC is the ultimate all-Java, industry-standard API for accessing and manipulating database data. JBuilder 2 database applications can connect to any database that has a JDBC driver. All-Java based drivers can be loaded from the server or locally. The advantage to using a driver entirely written in Java is that it can be downloaded as part of an applet and is cross-platform. This is the preferred environment for Pure Java portable solutions.

JDBC-ODBC Bridge

JBuilder 2 also supports ODBC. If the connection to the database server is through an ODBC driver, use the JavaSoft JDBC-ODBC bridge software integrated within JBuilder. Note: The ODBC driver is a non-portable DLL. It is convenient for local development, but type 4 (all Java) drivers are preferable for applets or other all-Java solutions.

DataGateway for Java - Proven, High-performance, JDBC Connectivity

JBuilder 2 Client/Server Suite also includes the multi-tier DataGateway for Java (Unlimited server license). Installing the DataGateway on a middle-tier server makes it easy to create thin-client Java applications that work in heterogeneous environments. It includes native, high-performance drivers for Oracle, DB2, Sybase, MS SQL Server, Informix, and InterBase. In addition, it also includes native drivers for MS Access, FoxPro, Paradox, and dBASE.

The Most Comprehensive Suite of SQL Tools

The efficient management and use of corporate data requires the best SQL tools. JBuilder 2 Client/Server Suite includes SQL Builder, SQL Explorer, and SQL Monitor to create the most robust client/server applications.

The SQL Builder is a graphical query editor that automatically generates ANSI SQL-92 code for easy creation of error-free SQL statements. The SQL Explorer is an integrated database schema and content management utility designed to meet the needs of corporate database developers. It supports the visual creation of tables, aliases, stored procedures, triggers, and business rules.


Building queries is now easy with the JBuilder 2 graphical SQL Builder

JBuilder 2 Client/Server Suite is the only Java tool that integrates a native SQL Monitor for testing, debugging, and tuning SQL queries. It increases developer productivity and ensures optimal application performance.

DataStore for portable solutions

One of the problems facing Java developers is persisting, or saving, data and objects. Developers can create applications that can run on multiple platforms, but there is no guarantee of local data storage. To meet this need, JBuilder 2 is delivering the Persistent DataStore. The DataStore component provides 100% Pure Java high-performance data access, caching, and compact persistence for DataSets, arbitrary files, and Java Objects. The 100% Pure Java DataStore uses single file storage with a hierarchical file system to organize the DataSets, files, and Java Objects it contains. DataStore is ideally suited for applications that have requirements for:


• local persistent storage for data, files, and Java objects
• asynchronous data replication
• small footprint
• disconnected/mobile computing

Integrated SQL Database

JBuilder 2 includes the InterBase Server development license and InterClient JDBC driver. This makes it very convenient to build and test thin SQL database applications and applets.

Multi-tier Applications with RMI and CORBA

Multi-tier distributed applications have many benefits, including zero-administration clients, improved performance, greater scalability, fail-over safety, and lower overall costs. JBuilder 2 Client/Server Suite makes it easier to build distributed applications using RMI or CORBA/IIOP. JBuilder 2 includes VisiBroker for Java 3.2, seamlessly integrated into the environment and project management systems. The Visigenic IDL compiler is invoked as a part of the normal build process for a project, translating all IDL files in the project into the OMG-compliant Java binding automatically. At a glance, developers can see which Java source files were automatically created, cleanly dividing a developer's own Java source code from generated code. Errors in IDL are detected during the compile process, with detailed error messages and corresponding source code highlighting to assist developers new to CORBA.

CORBA/IIOP lets you easily create distributed Java applications that can transparently invoke operations on remote network services, regardless of the language they were written in. And it is the most seamless way to integrate legacy systems into your Java enterprise applications.

Java Servlets

JBuilder developers can now easily create server-side Java applications for delivering dynamic Web content using the Servlet Wizard. Servlets can be thought of as server-side versions of applets that extend the functionality of Web servers in the same way that CGI scripts do. However, Servlets offer substantial performance improvements over CGI and are truly portable across platforms. The JBuilder Servlet Wizard handles servlets that process the output of an HTML form, as well as servlets that generate HTML to be embedded in the HTML file that specified it.

Database application

Refer to Appendix A for a step-by-step walkthrough on how to build a sample database application.

Summary

JBuilder 2 is the only Java development tool providing full database support and connection with DataExpress. Its data access visual components uniquely make business applications' development as easy as drag and drop. All database applications developed with JBuilder DataExpress are fully scalable from the desktop to the enterprise.

Enterprise Deployment

Deploying applications and applets

The Deployment Wizard can be used to deploy JavaBeans, Java applications or applets. The Deployment Wizard collects all the files needed to distribute your application. The Wizard creates compressed Java Archive (.jar) files.

To start the Deployment Wizard, choose Wizard | Deployment Wizard


The JBuilder 2 Deployment Wizard is the fastest way to deploy applications and applets

Inprise Deployment Server for Java

Inprise's Deployment Server for Java provides the convenience of Applet deployment without Applet restrictions. Applications are installed once on a server (including the correct version of the JDK), and are then seamlessly accessed by remote clients on any platform. Updates are centrally administered and immediately available.

Inprise's Deployment Server for Java provides key benefits to the users of Java, including:


• Fast, reliable access to updated software.
• A fault-tolerant architecture provides service for mission-critical applications.
• Software that executes dramatically faster than applets.
• Software that is more powerful because it is not limited by Applet restrictions.

Extensible and customizable IDE

One of the many strengths of JBuilder 2 is its extensible and customizable IDE. Our usability tests showed that all developers don't have the same needs. JBuilder 2 makes it easy for each developer to customize the environment to their needs and wants in order to be more productive. To customize their JBuilder 2 environment, developers can use any of the following:


• Add-In API to add custom development tools such as CASE tools, testing tools, version control, Wizards, and commercial JavaBeans
• JDK Switching to add any new JDK
• Custom menu to customize JBuilder 2 menu
• Express Add-To-Palette for adding any new JavaBean on the Component Palette
• Wrap Applet Wizards to convert any applet into a JavaBean
• Custom UI for easy customization of the IDE

Choosing your code style

With JBuilder 2, you can customize your coding to your corporate standard or to your liking. You can now choose the coding style you prefer, and all code that JBuilder 2 creates automatically will be set up in your preferred style, including code created by wizards. Choose a style for braces, for event handling, and whether to use Beans instantiate or not.


JBuilder 2 lets you choose your code style

JDK Switching

JBuilder 2 can now compile against any JavaSoft JDK from 1.0 to 1.2 and beyond. You can choose the JDK version that your Java program will use by selecting the project file in the Navigation pane, right-clicking, and selecting Project Properties. On the paths page, choose the JDK version from the target JDK version drop-down list. Click the Define button to set up a list of available JDK versions to choose from.


JBuilder 2 lets you work with the JDKs of your choice

Customizing the UI

The JBuilder 2 Menu, Compiler, Editor, AppBrowser, CodeInsight, and all of its tools are very configurable. These UI options are found on one large tabbed dialog box, invoked by selecting Tools | IDE Options.


Customize the Jbuilder 2 IDE to fit your needs

Comprehensive Developer Support

JBuilder 2 developers get a full range of support and references. JBuilder 2 includes Wizards, comprehensive documentation, extensive online help, Welcome Project, step-by-step tutorials, sample applications with source code, Discussion Forums, Courseware, Training, Third-party books, Newsletter, Multimedia Tutorials, Developer Support, etc.

Wizards

To guide developers through the major tasks necessary to create robust Java programs, JBuilder comes equipped with many Wizards that walk developers through the necessary steps for a specific function or task. Wizards included are: Servlet Wizard, CodeInsight, Applet Wizard, Application Wizard, Project Wizard, Interaction Wizard, Wrap Applet Wizard, Resource String Wizard, etc.

Comprehensive Documentation

For an easy reference to developers, JBuilder includes many online books:


• Getting Started with JBuilder
• Getting Started with Java
• Creating JavaBeans with BeansExpress
• Building Applications with JBuilder
• Database Application Developer's Guide
• Component Writer's Guide
• Distributed Applications Developer's Guide
• Deployment Server for Java User's Guide
• JBCL Reference
• JFC/Swing Documentation
• Java Language Specification
• JGL Documentation vJClass BWT Documentation
• JClass Chart Documentation
• JClass Table Documentation

It also includes comprehensive printed documentation:


• Quick Start
• Developer's Guide
• JavaBean Class Library Reference
• Deployment Server for Java User's Guide
• Java Programming with CORBA

Sample Applications

JBuilder 2 includes many sample applications and applets that can be used as a reference. Among those is a full multilingual Electronic Commerce application with source code.

Discussion Forum

Since public discussion forums are becoming more and more popular among developers, Inprise Online (www.inprise.com/newsgroups) will host more than 20 new newsgroups to exchange information, tips, and techniques on JBuilder.

• inprise.public.jbuilder.announce
• inprise.public.jbuilder.applet-issues
• inprise.public.jbuilder.as400
• inprise.public.jbuilder.compiler
• inprise.public.jbuilder.corba-rmi
• inprise.public.jbuilder.database
• inprise.public.jbuilder.debugger
• inprise.public.jbuilder.deployment
• inprise.public.jbuilder.documentation
• inprise.public.jbuilder.ide
• inprise.public.jbuilder.java.api
• inprise.public.jbuilder.java.language
• inprise.public.jbuilder.javabeans.using
• inprise.public.jbuilder.javabeans.writing
• inprise.public.jbuilder.jbcl
• inprise.public.jbuilder.jobs
• inprise.public.jbuilder.multi-lingual-apps
• inprise.public.jbuilder.non-technical
• inprise.public.jbuilder.thirdpartytools

Third-party books

Several third-party books are also available for JBuilder. For more information, check Inprise Online at: http://www.borland.com/jbuilder/books/

• Teach Yourself JBuilder in 21 Days by Michelle Manning
• JBuilder for Dummies by Barry Burd
• Java Programming with JBuilder by Steven Holzner
• JBuilder Essentials by Cary Jensen, Lay Anderson, and Blake Stone
• Borland JBuilder: No Experience Required by John Zukowski

Newsletter/Listserv

By registering to the JBuilder ListServ on Inprise Online, developers will receive an electronic monthly Newsletter that includes the latest information on the product, promotions, tips and techniques, and JBuilder events.

Magazine

Professional developers will find JBuilder Developer's Journal from The Cobb Group a great reference, full of tips and techniques from the best JBuilder developers.

Multimedia Tutorial

Several Referentia Systems multimedia tutorials are available to JBuilder 2 developers. Developers can order the Referentia for JBuilder 2-Volume 1 tutorial for just shipping and handling ($9.95 US only) directly from Referentia. The tutorial covers what's new in JBuilder 2 and a set of courses on the User Interface. You will learn how to master the JBuilder 2 IDE, the AppBrowser, the Debugger, BeansExpress, DataExpress, etc. Check the Referentia Web site for more information at www.referentia.com/jbuilder.

Support Services

In addition to Inprise Online newsgroups, public Java newsgroups, and other means of support, developers can get telephone support with several different plans to meet their needs.

APPENDIX A

Setup: Install the Local InterBase server.
1. Use the default choices.
2. Allow the setup to modify your TCP/IP services files.
3. When the ODBC dialog appears, click Next to add data sources.
4. On the data sources dialog box, select InterBase 4.x Driver by Visigenic from the list of drivers. Click the setup button.

To setup the Data Source Name, from the InterBase ODBC Configuration Dialog:


Data Source Name	DataSet Tutorial
Description
Network Protocol	<local>
Database	c:\Program Files\Borland\IntrBase\Examples\employee.gdb
Username	SYSDBA
Password	masterkey


5. Click to close the Data Sources dialog.
6. Launch the Local InterBase server.

Introduction to Creating a Database Application Using DataExpress Components

Let's have a look at how easy it is to create a business application.
First start a new project and application.


A new project created with the Application Wizard

Then add a few components by dragging and dropping, a grid control, a navigator control, and a status bar.

Grid	Navigator	Status Bar

Drag and drop data-aware beans, Database and QueryDataSet, from the DataAccess tab on the Component Palette.



Then, connect to a database using the Component Inspector. Select the connection type and test the connection. In one easy step, the application can connect to the selected database and the developer is immediately informed on the status of the connection. Knowing the status of the connection is a major advantage when it comes to debugging.


DataExpress is the easiest way to connect to a database

Now, write a SQL query statement. Select Query from the Component Inspector, select the database, and write a SQL statement. After writing the SQL query, test the syntax directly on the database. A Success or Fail message will then appear below the Test Query button. As with the Test connection button, the information obtained with the Test query button is invaluable when it comes to debugging.


DataExpress makes it very easy to write SQL statements

Now, connect components to the query.


And the result is a perfectly portable and 100% Pure Java business application.


In just a few steps, DataExpress makes it easy to create 100% Pure Java Database applications

Summary

The previous business application was created entirely visually—no coding necessary. JBuilder 2 is the only Java development tool that makes business application development as easy as drag and drop. Its DataExpress architecture generates all the Java code.

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