JBuilder 3 Questions and Answers

Q. What is JBuilder?

A. Borland JBuilder is a family of highly productive, visual development tools for creating platform-independent applications, applets, servlets, Enterprise JavaBeans, and distributed CORBA applications using the Java programming language from Sun Microsystems. The JBuilder open environment supports Java 2, pure Java development, JavaBeans, Enterprise JavaBeans, Servlets, JDK 1.1.x, JFC/Swing, CORBA, RMI, inner-class, serialization, and JDBC.

Q. What are the key business and technological advantages that JBuilder provides?

A. JBuilder delivers a number of key advantages for independent and corporate developers, including:

Business and database application development

JBuilder 3 includes the Pure Java DataExpress architecture, so business and database application developers can deliver robust, platform-independent database applications in record time.

Distributed Application Development

Through the integration of the VisiBroker CORBA ORB, distributed application developers can deliver scalable, enterprise applications in less time than before

Servlet Development

JBuilder 3 includes Wizards and Tools to automate the process of creating Java Server-Side applications that work in conjunction with Web Servers for making corporate information or CORBA services available over the Web.

JavaBean Development

JBuilder's BeansExpress gives professional developers and commercial JavaBean vendors the visual productivity tools needed to rapidly deliver industry standard JavaBeans

Enterprise JavaBean (EJB) Development

JBuilder 3 includes Wizards and Designers to simplify creation of industry standard EJB components for creating reusable distributed objects.

Q. What is new in JBuilder 3?

A. JBuilder 3 is full of new features to speed up and simplify the development of Java applets, applications, servlets, JavaBeans, and EJB's, including:

• Platform independence with industry standard pure Java code generation.
• NEW! Enhanced Java 2 development environment, with Java 2 hosted designers, JDK Switching for compiling & debugging using multiple JDKs, included Open Tools API, and 300+ JavaBean components, with source, for creating Java applications, applets, servlets, Enterprise JavaBeans, and distributed CORBA applications.
• NEW! Visual development using the Java 2 JFC/Swing components - JBuilder 3 is the first professional Java IDE to support visual development with the new Java 2 JFC/Swing components, including support for the Swing data models.
• NEW! Java 2 and multi-JDK debugging provide the debugging flexibility needed by professional Java developers.
• NEW! Remote debugging, with multi-process and multi-platform debugging, for debugging of complex distributed applications.
• NEW! Enhanced visual development tools, including the Package Migration Wizard, Deployment Wizard, pure Java Help System with full text search, and JavaDoc Wizard.
• NEW! Visual database development tools, including the Application Generator, Data Modeler, pure Java SQL Builder, and pure Java JDBC Explorer to rapidly create database applications for the Java 2 platform.
• NEW! Enhanced database components with source code for creating professional database applications, including the DataExpress data-access components and enhanced dbSwing data aware components (with industry standard JDBC connectivity.)
• NEW! JDataStore pure Java embeddable database for creating small footprint, portable database applications.
• NEW! Visual servlet development - use the Application Generator to create data-aware HTML pages or HTML front ends to CORBA servers.
• NEW! Visual tools for CORBA development - only JBuilder includes the Application Generator, Data Modeler, ORB Explorer, IDL Syntax Highlighting, and IDL structure pane navigation for productive development of distributed, platform & language independent applications.
• NEW! Integrated CORBA development using either VisiBroker or OrbixWebÖ.
• NEW! VisiBroker 3.4 for Java CORBA ORB, Naming, and Event services are included to provide the tools needed for developing distributed, platform & language independent applications for the Java 2 platform.
• NEW! EJBExpress for rapid Enterprise JavaBean development, simplifying the creation of both Session and Entity Enterprise JavaBeans.

Q. On which platforms is JBuilder available?

A. JBuilder 3 will be available on multiple platforms: first, on Microsoft Windows, which will be available in May; second, on Solaris, which will be available before the end of 1999; and on Linux, which will be available following the Solaris release.

Q. Where can I get more information about JBuilder 3 on Solaris or Linux?

A. The JBuilder 3 launch at JESS in Paris, April 27-29 will include a sneak peak of JBuilder on Solaris. Additional information on our plans for the Solaris and Linux releases will be made available at JavaOne.

Q. Who should use JBuilder?

A. JBuilder comes in a number of versions to meet the needs of a wide range of Java developers, including:

JBuilder 3 Standard

Anyone that wants an easy to use visual tool to learn Java and create pure Java applets, applications, or JavaBeans using the AWT or JFC/Swing components.

JBuilder 3 Professional

Professional programmers who need to create Pure Java business and database applications, applets, or servlets.

JBuilder 3 Enterprise

Independent and corporate developers who need to create scalable, pure Java enterprise applications, including distributed CORBA applications and EJB components.

Q. Which version of JBuilder should I use for my Java development?

A. Please see "Which JBuilder is Right for You" for detailed information about the different versions of JBuilder.

Q. What is the difference between the 3 versions of JBuilder 3: Standard, Professional, and Enterprise? A. Please refer to the "JBuilder 3 Feature Matrix" for detailed information about the differences between the different versions of JBuilder.

Q. Does JBuilder create pure Java code?

A. Yes, the applets, applications, servlets, and JavaBeans that you create with JBuilder are pure Java code. Better yet, JBuilder's Pure Java Two-Way-ToolsÖ do not insert any proprietary markers or code to synchronize the visual design environment and the source code. You will always have complete control over your code.

Q. Can I create reusable, industry standard JavaBeans with JBuilder 3?

A. Yes, JBuilder's BeansExpress is the easiest way to create industry standard, reusable, pure Java JavaBeans. BeansExpress includes a wizard for rapidly creating reusable JavaBean components, plus BeanDesigners that generate pure Java code for customizing and enhancing beans created with the BeansExpress Wizard. The new BeanDesigners include visual tools to rapidly create Properties, BeanInfo files, Events, and Property Editors, making it easy to create industry standard, easy to reuse JavaBean Components. Plus, use BeanInsight to analyze beans, gaining information on the properties and events surfaced by a JavaBean.

Q. Does JBuilder 3 support Enterprise JavaBeans?

A. Yes, JBuilder 3 allows developers to create EJB components with the enterprise features of BeansExpress, EJBExpress. EJBExpress simplifies the creation of both Session and Entity Enterprise JavaBeans, automates essential tasks such as the creation of the Home and Remote interfaces, and simplifies creation of deployable JAR files using by using the Deployment Wizard.

Q. What is CodeInsight?

A. CodeInsight is a set of high-productivity coding Wizards that assist developers while programming - allowing them to build more robust-applications faster. CodeInsight provides the proper syntax when creating and editing parameters, properties, methods, events, and highlights invalid data types. CodeInsight is also a useful tool for developers learning the Java language.

Q. How do I create database applications using JBuilder?

A. JBuilder provides Wizards and Designers for rapidly creating professional database applications. The Pure Java DataExpress architecture hides the complexities of the JDBC API from applications developers, providing robust JavaBean components for managing data connectivity to the most popular databases, including Oracle, Sybase, Informix, MS SQL Server, DB/2, InterBase, and any database which provides a JDBC driver.

Q. Which databases can I connect to using JBuilder 3?

A. JBuilder 3 can work with data in the most popular database formats, including Oracle, Sybase, MS SQL Server, Informix, IBM DB/2, InterBase, MS Access, xBase, or any format for which a JDBC or ODBC (via the JDBC:ODBC Bridge) driver is available.

Q. Can I use my existing JBuilder 2 projects with JBuilder 3?

A. Yes, a Package Migration Wizard is provided to easily migrate application from JBuilder 2 to JBuilder 3.

Q. When will JBuilder 3 be available?

A. Reserve your copy today - JBuilder 3 will be available in late May. To order, check our order page, and register for the JBuilder list server to get the latest information on JBuilder 3.

Q. Does JBuilder 3 support the Windows Foundation Classes (WFC) from Microsoft?

A. JBuilder 3 is designed for creating platform-independent applications using Java 2. As such, JBuilder supports 100% Pure Java standards, including the new Java 2 JFC/Swing components from Sun, for creating professional, platform-independent business applications.

Q. Does JBuilder support CORBA?

A. Yes. JBuilder Enterprise includes the VisiBroker for Java CORBA ORB, and visual development tools for creating scalable Java 2 CORBA applications.

Q. How have you integrated VisiBroker for Java/CORBA into JBuilder 2?

A. CORBA utilities, such as IDL2JAVA and JAVA2IIOP are directory integrated into the JBuilder 2 Project Manager, and options can be individually set for each IDL file, for easy management of your IDL files. All generated files are displayed as dependent files within the Project Manager, so developers know immediately which files they created, and which ones were automatically created. Error messages are displayed in the JBuilder Error Window to reduce development time by providing a structured presentation of information and easy navigation to the offending line.

Q. Does JBuilder 3 support OrbixWeb™ ?

A. Yes. While JBuilder 3 does not include OrbixWeb, the OrbixWeb IDL2JAVAidl compiler can be integrated into the JBuilder environment.

Q. Does JBuilder work with multiple Application Servers?

A. Yes. There is a version of JBuilder dedicated to work with the Inprise Application Server, and JBuilder supports the standard for server-deployed components, Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB), which is being supported by more and more application server vendors.

Q. Does JBuilder 3 support RMI?

A. Yes. You can create distributed applications using Java and RMI with JBuilder.

Q. What is the difference between JBuilder and Delphi?

A. The primary difference between Delphi and JBuilder is that Delphi is designed to be the best tool for creating Windows applications, and JBuilder is designed to be the best tool for creating distributed, platform-independent applications using the Java language.

Q. Can I create platform-neutral applications using JBuilder? What platforms can I deploy my JBuilder applications on?

A. At Inprise, we are committed to supporting the industry standard Java implementations from Sun. Because of this commitment, applications created using JBuilder are 100% Pure Java, and can be run on any platform that supports JavA. Because of this, Client and Server applications created with JBuilder can be deployed to any of the over 30 platform for which there is a Java Virtual Machine, including Windows, Macintosh, Solaris, and many more!

Q. Does JBuilder 3 support pure Java standards?

A. Yes, the JBuilder team is committed to supporting Pure Java standards, including Java 2, JDK 1.1.x, JFC/Swing, inner-classes, serialization, JDBC, JavaBeans, Enterprise JavaBeans, and more!

Q. How does JBuilder support the new JFC/Swing components in Java 2?

A. JBuilder 3 fully integrates the new Java 2 JFC/Swing components from Sun, including automated code creation using Wizards, drag-and-drop development in the JBuilder visual designers, support for the Swing data models, and enhanced data-aware components based on Swing.

Q. What is JFC (Java Foundation Classes)?

A. The JFC, or Java Foundation Classes, are a new library of JavaBean components that provide powerful new features and functionality to Java developers. Information about the JFC components can be found on the the Java site at http://java.sun.com/products/jfc/index.html .

Q. What is Swing?

A. Swing components are a subset of the JFC components for creating professional user interfaces, with higher performance and increased functionality over AWT components. Information about the Swing components can be found on the Swing Connection site at http://java.sun.com/products/jfc/swingdoc-current/index.html .

Q. Does JBuilder 3 support Java 2?

A. Yes, the wizard and designers in JBuilder 3 are hosted on Java 2 and generate Java 2 code, and the debugger has been enhanced to support the new Java 2 debugging API's for debugging Java 2 applications.

Q. What additional support for Java 2 does JBuilder 3 provide?

A. JBuilder 2 and 3 support the version of Java 2 (JDK 1.2) available during their respective development cycles. For JBuilder 2, JDK 1.2 Beta 3 was available and supported through JDK Switching for compiling and running JDK 1.2 applications from within the JBuilder environment. Plus, we released the 2.01 update for compiling & running with more recent Java 2 releases.

For JBuilder 3, the feature complete shipping Java 2 Platform was available during development. By working with a feature-complete, stable JDK, JBuilder 3 is able to provide much better support for the development of Java 2 applications. Enhancements include:

• Java 2 hosted Wizards for generating code for the new Java 2 JFC/Swing package locations.
• Java 2 hosted Designers, providing WYSIWYG development using the shipping Java 2 JFC/Swing classes.
• Java 2 hosted tools, including SQL Builder, JDBC Explorer, Data Modeler, and Application Generator with JDBC connectivity.
• Debugging of Java 2 applications using the new Java 2 debugging API's.
• Borland components, including DataExpress, dbSwing, and JBCL, have been certified using the shipping Java 2 Platform.
• A Package Migration Wizard for migrating Swing applications from JDK 1.1 and JDK 1.2 Beta 3 to the shipping Java 2 Platform.
• The JDataStore pure Java database, including JDBC 2.0 Type-4 drivers, is hosted on the Java 2 platform.

Q. Does JBuilder 3 support JDK 1.1?

A. Yes, the JDK Switching feature in JBuilder 3 allows developers to compile and debug JDK 1.1 applications, including JDK 1.1.7, from within the JBuilder environment.

Q. Does JBuilder 3 support the Swing data models?

A. Yes, JBuilder 3 provides components that work directly with the Swing data models to create data-aware user interfaces.

Q. Where can I find information about the JBuilder University edition?

A. Information about the JBuilder University edition is available from our Education web site at http://www.borland.com/programs/education/jbuilder/

Q. In which languages is JBuilder 3 available?

A. JBuilder 3 is or will be available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese. Please contact your local Borland office for availability.

Q. Is JBuilder 3 Year 2000 compliant?

A. Year 2000 ready. More information about our Y2K testing can be found on-line at http://www.inprise.com/devsupport/y2000/.

Q. Where can I find JBuilder newsgroups?

A. JBuilder newsgroups are available from http://www.borland.com/newsgroups/#jbuilder

Q. What are the system requirements for JBuilder 3?

A. The system requirements for the various JBuilder SKU's are:

JBuilder 3 Enterprise

Minimum System Requirements
Intel Pentium«/166Mhz or higher Microsoft Windows« 95/98, or NT 4 (recommended) 96MB RAM (128MB RAM Recommended) 150MB Hard Disk space for Compact Install CD-ROM Drive SVGA or higher resolution (800x600 256 color) Mouse or other pointing device

JBuilder 3 Professional

Minimum System Requirements
Intel Pentium«/166Mhz or higher Microsoft Windows« 95/98, or NT 4 (recommended) 64MB RAM (96MB RAM Recommended) 100MB Hard Disk space for Compact Install CD-ROM Drive SVGA or higher resolution (800x600 256 color) Mouse or other pointing device

JBuilder 3 Standard

Minimum System Requirements
Intel Pentium«/166Mhz or higher Microsoft Windows« 95/98, or NT 4 (recommended) 48MB RAM (64MB RAM Recommended) 85MB Hard Disk space for Compact Install CD-ROM Drive SVGA or higher resolution (800x600 256 color) Mouse or other pointing device