In the first articles, we have discussed about the features and the compiling techniques of Java, and now we are going to look at the Java development environment.

What do we need for developing in a Java environment ?

A platform-neutral, component architecture for Java; for developing or assembling network-aware solutions for heterogeneous hardware and operating system environments--within the enterprise or across the Internet. With reliable and efficient compiler, development and debugging tools. There are several choices across the market, and we are going to look at the following:

1. JavaSoft's JavaBeans
2. Symantec's Cafe
3. Microsoft's Visual J++
4. IBM's VisualAge

What is a Bean ?

Some Beans are visual components that you add to forms in visual-development tools; other Beans are faceless objects that do something in the background. A Bean could be a cartoon or a piece of business logic. You could build a simple Java applet by assembling a bunch of Beans without doing any programming, or you could wrap some Beans in thousands of lines of proprietary code to build a sophisticated enterprise application.

Throughout the industry, JavaBeans is the component architecture of choice. Developing the dynamic data interchange architecture.

One of the advantages of the JavaBeans architecture is how easy is to instantiate Beans, be it inside another Bean, or in some application or Applet. Beans are based on existing Java objects. [1,2]

1. Introspection/reflection

A Bean can expose its data structures to other programs and to programmers. For example, a development tool could have an object inspector that lets a programmer examine a Bean's methods, instance variables, properties, and interfaces.

Beans are just specialized Java class files. In fact, all Abstract Windowing Toolkit [AWT] components are automatically Beans, because AWT in JDK 1.1 adopts the new JavaBeans event model. Anybody who has written a visual component that subclasses an AWT object has already written a Bean.

Java still supports the existing handleEvents() method for backward compatibility. Because the new model uses less indirection and is more strongly typed, it's much more efficient, especially for high-frequency events like mouse movements.

Beans permanently remember changes to their properties.
Currently, objects always revert to their default properties.

Beans work anyplace where ActiveX objects or Live Objects can work.
(This is important, because a Beans developer could then secures a future in the emerging network software market without losing customers that use proprietary platform.)

You could also use a Bean with Visual Basic or in an OpenDoc container such as ClarisWorks. The bridging technology does practically all the work, so Bean authors have to write little or no code to get OLE and OpenDoc compatibility. JavaSoft already has some existing Java applets working with Visual Basic.

Beans are prewritten software components that make it easier to build Java programs. Software components that use JavaBeans APIs are thus be portable to containers including Internet Explorer, Visual Basic, Microsoft Word, Lotus Notes, etc.

JavaBeans allows developers to create reusable software components that can then be assembled together using visual application builder tools, such as Borland's JBuilderTM, IBM's Visual AgeTM for Java, SunSoft's Java WorkshopTM and Symantec's Visual Cafe, and others. [3]

Beans are platform-neutral, JavaBeans extends Java's "Write Once, Run Anywhere" SM capability to reusable component development, and your code can run on every OS and also within any application environment. [4]

Third parties can create Beans that fill some of the gaps in Java's capabilities.

It is a standalone, Java development environment tool mainly for Macintosh, but also available for Windows NT/95.

Symantec Café is based on the Symantec Project Manager development environment, and has been designed to provide Java development capabilities, which lets you create Java applets and applications that run on Macintosh, Windows, and UNIX systems.

Café's intuitive graphical interface makes creating Java Applets easy. Applets built with
Symantec Café can be embedded into HTML documents to provide dynamic functionality on multiple platforms (Macintosh, Windows, Unix) when using a Java enabled web browser such as Netscape's Navigator, or with your corporate Intranet.

For web page designers, Café includes an "Intro to Java Programming" tutorial, Java language reference, Café Studio visual tools for graphically drawing Java applets on screen and having the corresponding source code generated automatically, and over 90 sample applets that can be easily modified to create your own custom applets.

For professionals familiar with programming, Café provides an unrivaled feature set, including an integrated graphical class browser, fast native Java compiler, a full-featured project manager, a professional Java source code editor, and full support for AppleScript and AppleEvents for automating time consuming tasks. [5]

1. A Head-Start on Java Development

Easy-to-use: It provides the "Intro to Java Programming" tutorial, AppleGuide, Café Guide and Sample Applets to teach beginners the Java programming, the usage of the Café development environment and the method of creating your own Java applets.

Café Studio Visual Tools: Create your Java-based forms and applet on screen visually and Café Studio automatically generates the corresponding Java source code, it rapidly create demos and prototypes of Applets and then use the corresponding results in the actual applet you are developing. You do this by simply drawing your applet on screen and assigning different commands to it. You can draw text labels and fields, buttons, check boxes, radio buttons, pop-up menus, scroll bars, and lists and have Café Studio then automatically generates the corresponding Java source code for you. With the object alignment, snap to grid capabilities, and control over font, size, and style of text creating good-looking Java applets is easy.

Graphical Class Hierarchy: Café gives you a graphical view of the Java class hierarchy
creates a repository of information about the Java applet and class libraries. This provides a visual representation of the Java application class hierarchy, allowing you to better understand the standard Java classes and your application's classes.

Easy Access to Documentation: Double click on a class file in the browser and Café
automatically launches the corresponding HTML documentation in your favorite web browser.

Fast Symantec Bytecode Compiler: Café includes a bytecode Java compiler that compiles several times faster than the standard Sun Java compiler.

Integrated Environment: Café seamlessly integrates the Sun Java Development Kit (JDK) tools into the development environment with graphical support for the Java compiler, interpreter and debugger options and parameters.

Integrated Debugger: Monitor object values; display nested values; represent integers in decimal, hex, unsigned and unicode; set breakpoints in any open source file.

Native JavaDoc: Generates HTML documents from Java source code with JavaDoc now integrated into the Symantec Java Compiler.

It offers multiple open projects at a time and nested subfolders let you develop and maintain even the most complex Java applications.

Project Support: Different project targets can be managed through the Symantec Project Manager (SPM), without having to load and unload projects one-by-one. SPM supports multiple open projects, and drag and drop entire projects to external applications. SPM also keeps track of the recently used applets for easy access.

Nested Sub-folders: You can structure, organize, and manage your web projects and applets quickly and easily.

Integrated Graphical Class Browser: It allows you to open multiple customizable graphical and SmallTalk-style browsers. Instantaneous access to object oriented code allows you to work with Java at a higher level than the source file views. The class browser allows you to have multiple panes and orientations (horizontal and vertical), and allows you to display, browse and edit methods, files, classes, data, functions; and source code in alphabetical, hierarchical, and graphical views.

Productivity-Boosting Features: Café provides a professional programmer's editor for Java development with multiple split panes, drag and drop text editing, and full color syntax and keyword highlighting. The SPM environment also lets you plug in third party editors such as BBEdit if you want to use them instead of the SPM editor.

Hierarchy editor: it lets you to view and edit the Java class hierarchy.

Café is fully scriptable and recordable, letting you automate routine tasks and save time using AppleScript. Its integrated graphical debugger helps you efficiently debug your applications at the source level, browse data, and manipulate threads. Café also includes extensive on-line support, help and documentation.

For Macintosh: [6]

1. Power Macintosh, 68030, or 68040 Macintosh (030 processor or greater)
2. MacOS 7.5
3. 20 MB RAM minimum
4. 40 - 70 MB free hard disk space (depending on installation options)
5. CD-ROM drive for installation

1. Intel 386 or above
2. 8MB RAM minimum, 16 MB RAM recommended for large projects
3. Disk Space: 20-30 MB depending on configuration
4. Windows 95 or Windows NT
5. VGA (Super VGA recommended)
6. CD-ROM drive

Visual J++ is another development environment for writing Java applets and applications. Visual J++ provides a progressive shift for the Java language. It's Java plus Component Object Model (COM). The Visual J++ compiler and Type Library Wizard allow Java programs to access language-independent COM libraries and controls.

Visual J++ is Microsoft's visual Java development environment. Using the same innovative user interface found in Microsoft Visual C++; where Visual J++ includes:

• A visual debugger.
• Wizards to build applets and ActiveX controls.
• A class viewer for easier comprehension of Java objects.
• An advanced editor with syntax highlighting.
• A source code compiler which translates at a rate over 10,000 lines per second.
• An online tutorial.
• The Microsoft Press book, Learn Java Now.
• Internet Explorer 3.0 with Java support and redistribution rights.
• An advanced JIT compiler for the fastest applet execution.
• Java Class Hierarchy chart.
Visual J++ is certified as Java Compatible and allows users to build cross-platform applications, with specific optimization for the most common environments, such as Microsoft's Windows 95 and Windows NT, without affecting portability.

1. Cross-platform

Build 100% Java-compatible, cross-platform applets and applications, or extend them to integrate with your existing applications so that you can leverage your existing skills and code. Visual J++ creates 100% Java-compatible code that runs on every platform that supports a Java virtual machine (including Win95, Win/NT, Solaris, Macintosh and others).

Applications built with Visual J++ will work with any major browser, including Internet Explorer 3.0 and Netscape Navigator. Microsoft has fully embraced the Java language and is making it even more powerful by allowing Java to easily integrate with existing applications and databases.

Wizards to provide visual instructions for creating applets. Interactive help and online tutorial. Complete online documentation that includes the full Java API and language specifications from Sun Microsystems, customizable, context-sensitive help and extensive sample code.

A familiar look and feel to other Microsoft development products, such as Microsoft Visual C++ because Visual J++ uses the same development environment A large selection of Java samples. Full compliance with all Java standards.

The resource editor allows you to visual layout the interface of your application. The editor is the same one that is used in VC++, so there is very little learning for a lot of people. In addition, there is a resource editor that lets you convert existing VisualBasic and VisualC++ forms into cross-platform Java code. This helps create efficient programs, and customers will like this familiar interface.

To quickly resolve application problems, a graphical debugger is an essential part of a programming language. Visual J++ offers:
• Debugging multiple applets running simultaneously within the target browser.
• Bytecode disassembly.
• Bytecode level stepping and tracing.
• Assigning values to variables.
• DataTips to allow developers to get the value of a variable or a highlighted expression during testing.
• AutoTab, an expandable tree control to show expressions of interest around a program counter.
• Complex type expansion in a variables window, using an expandable tree control format.
• Highlighting changes made in all appropriate windows.
• Stepping out of nested levels during debugging.
• Debugging code without source-line information.
• Stopping debugging at any time while target process is running.
• Setting breakpoints at any time while target process is running.
• Showing parameters in call stack.
• Evaluating arbitrary or complex expressions.
• Debugging Component Object Model (COM) objects written in Java.
Visual J++ has a wizard that reads the type libraries of COM objects (including ActiveX controls) that you choose to import. This is what lets you easily use the methods and properties of the COM object as if they were simply other Java classes.

The Visual J++ compiler does everything that the other compilers do, plus it allows for ActiveX integration and has unparalleled compilation speed. The Visual J++ compiler is currently compiling over 10,000 lines of code a second.

The Visual J++ compiler is part of the Java development tool, which is not the same as a JIT compiler. The Visual J++ compiles Java source code into bytecode. The JIT (Just-In-Time) compiler is part of the Java Virtual Machine. It accelerates the run-time performance of your Java code. Visual J++ includes a JIT compiler which is freely distributable.

Visual J++ is a Windows-based tool to the character-based Sun Microsystems Java Development Kit (JDK). Visual J++ also includes:
• Class Viewer: it helps you to understand the relationship between Java classes, methods, and properties.
• Resource Editor: it provides the ability to paint forms and menus or import existing forms developed with other Microsoft products, such as Visual C++.
• Database Wizard: it develops high-performance database access via DAO and RDO using the Database Wizard.
• Just-in-Time compiler: it distributables free copies of Internet Explorer 3.0 with the most efficient Just-in-Time (JIT) applet compiler for easiest and fastest end-user navigation over the Internet or intranet.
• Support for ActiveX controls to leverage your existing investment in desktop applications and easily add efficient, interactive content.

Visual J++ requires Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 for development only. The Java code that it creates, however, runs on any platform that has a Java Virtual Machine.
1. PC 486, Windows 95/NT
2. 8 MB of memory
3. Hard-disk space:
• Typical installation: 43 MB
• Minimum installation: 33 MB
• Total tools and information on compact disc: 50 MB
4. CD-ROM drive
5. VGA or higher-resolution monitor (Super VGA recommended)
6. Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device [8]

IBM VisualAge for Java is the first enterprise aware, team enabled, incremental application development environment in the industry. It is designed to connect Java clients to existing server data, transactions and applications. This enables developers to extend server-based applications to communicate with Java clients on the Internet or intranet, rather than rewrite the application from scratch. VisualAge for Java creates 100% Pure Java compatible applications, applets and JavaBeans.

However, this technology is not ready for prime time, with numerous beta-code glitches and a documented warning that the beta version's generated code may not work with other Java virtual machines or with future versions of the IBM product. [9]

VisualAge for Java is designed to  run on Windows 95, Windows NT, and OS/2 Merlin. Versions for AIX and other Unix platforms will follow. All versions will create both applets and applications and include an applet viewer and the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) so you can test either type of code. Of course, because VA for Java will be a Java development tool, the target system can be any system that supports the JVM,  including RISC-based AS/400s. [10]

It lets you visually create a graphical interface by selecting icons for visual components and arranging them on an application window. Drag and Drop features just like Symentec Cafe and Miscosoft J++, allow you to draw a connection between the grid in the application  window and the nonvisual part. The connection automatically causes the list of items to be updated when the user edits the contents of the grid. You need not write any code to detect changes to the display or update the program variable that holds the list of items.

Creating classes from scratch is fairly easy in Java, and VA for Java will have a SmartGuide to generate the required code to start a new class definition.

VA for Java has a Data Access Builder for accessing database files, easily import and export files in standard format from IBM's repository.

VA for Java also will include support for making connections between parts that represent a database file (or record) and visual parts, such as a grid.

Class browser let you display the definition of a class or method you're working with or browse lists of packages (groups of classes), classes, and methods to find the one you need.

VisualAge for Java will provide a powerful debugger. VA for Java's will display source code while your application runs.

Automatic Versioning that VisualAge for Java, performs during incremental development, making it easy to go back to a working version of one's code. The environment's automatic incremental compilation made Java feel more like an interpreted language by giving immediate notification of coding errors.

IBM's Jikes compiler for Java 1.1, although is not a visual tool, it shows that the company thoroughly understands this technology. In PC Week Labs' tests, Jikes identified Java source code flaws such as unreachable statements that were ignored, for example, by Sun's Version 1.1 javac compiler. [11]

Java has an elegant mechanism for making procedure calls from an application running on one system to some code that executes on another system. VisualAge for Java will make the whole process even easier because an application will develop as if it were all local and use a tool known as the Proxy Builder to partition the application and automatically generate the necessary pieces to support the stub and skeleton objects.

Java is an exciting new application programming language designed by Sun Microsystems for the development of cross-platform applets and applications for the world-wide web. Simply put Java applets can provide interactive and dynamic behavior which could found in HTML-based web pages. Java can make web pages come alive and make them significantly more compelling.

More than 400,000 developers around the world have already embraced the Java platform. Java has opened up an entirely new world of opportunities for building fully portable network-aware applications. Java's strong language features are complemented by the rich Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) offered by several major vendors. And all the Java Development Environment describe above are aimed to provide a user-friendly and efficient environment for developers to build their own Java applets and applications.

However, it is difficult to say which development environment is better, it depends on the developer's need and personnal preference.


Here is a comparison of the Symantec Cafe 1.5 and Microsoft's J++,
and an eariler one on SunSoft's Java Workshop 1.0 and Symantec Cafe 1.2.

1. JavaBeans Hot News
    by Sun JavaSoft

2. JavaBeans Advisor
    by Sun JavaSoft (Issue#4 30 Apr$

3. Development Tools for JavaBeans
    by Sun JavaSoft

4. JavaBeans: Cross-Platform Components
    by Byte Magazine (May 1997)

5. Cafe for Macintosh Fact Sheet
    by Symantec (March 1997)

6. Cafe for Machintosh
    by Symantec (March 1997)

7. Cafe for Window 95/NT
    by Symantec (February 1997)

8. Visual J Web Page
    by Microsoft (May 1997)

9. IBM VisualAge for Java
    by IBM

10. Inside IBM's VisualAge for Java
    by Paul Contte (April 1997)

11. IBM, Netscape raise Web ante
    by Peter Coffee in PC Week (April 1997)

12. Symantec Cafe vs Microsoft J++
    by Symantec (January 1997)

13. SunSoft Java Workshop vs Symantec Cafe
    by PC Computing