ERIC BRUNO'S BLOG

Java: The Daily Grind.

June 2006

Chuk Mun Lee of Sun Microsystems has created a module that integrates Star Office into the NetBeans IDE.

Star Office has a rich programmatic interface call UNO, and by integrating it with NetBeans, you can create Star Office macros in Java. The integration of Star Office and NetBeans allows you to integrate drawings and documents as, say, part of the software’s design documentation, alongside the Java modules within the very same NetBeans project.

(Image courtesy Sun Microsystems, Inc.)

Read more about the NetBeans / Star Office module at http://platform.netbeans.org/articles/nbm_interview_chuk.html.

To learn how to develop your own NetBeans plug-in modules, visit http://platform.netbeans.org/tutorials/quickstart-nbm.html.

Posted by Eric Bruno at 10:33 AM  Permalink |

On June 26, Eclipse announced Callisto, which is the release of 10 new open source tools. With Callisto, Eclipse has met its release schedule for three years in a row.

A major emphasis of Callisto is to make it easier for organizations, such as ISVs and enterprise developers, to adopt Eclipse as their platform for application development. Callisto includes releases of the following Eclipse projects:

• Business Intelligence and Reporting Tools (BIRT) 2.1
  
• C/C++ IDE (CDT) 3.1
  
• Data Tools Platform (DTP) 1.0
  
• Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF) 2.2
  
• Graphical Editor Framework (GEF) 3.2
  
• Graphical Modeling Framework (GMF)1.0
  
• Eclipse Project 3.2
  
• Test and Performance Tools Platform (TPTP) 4.2,
  
• Web Tools Platform (WTP) 1.5
  
• Visual Editor (VE) 1.2.
  

Read more in this InformationWeek article.

SweetDEV Ajax Framework

Ideo Technologies (www.ideotechnologies.com) has released version 1.0 of its SweetDEV RIA, which is a set of Ajax widgets that integrates with Java EE on the server side. With SweetDEV, you continue to develop your application with frameworks like Struts or Java Server Faces (JSF) -- SweetDEV RIA widgets plug into your JSP pages.
To see examples of SweetDEV’s widgets (such as a datagrid, spreadsheet, and user preferences), visit their examples page at http://sweetdev-ria.ideotechnologies.com/sweetdev-ria-gettingStarted-1.0

Posted by Eric Bruno at 09:04 AM  Permalink |

Headless mode is a system configuration in which the display device, keyboard, or mouse is lacking. Sounds unexpected, but actually you can perform different operations in this mode, even with graphic data. Read more in this article on the java.sun.com web site.

Advanced Message Queue Protocol Released

The Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP) specification 0.8 was announced on June 20 by the newly formed AMQP working group which consists of JP Morgan Chase, RedHat, Twist, Iona, and others. AMQP is an open, binary-level, messaging protocol that strives to foster standards and interoperability across messaging systems, hence leveling the playing field. The working group states that the Java Message Queue (JMS) specification is a partial solution, but does not specify wire-level interoperability, and is limited to Java. AMQP’s goal is to support guaranteed, reliable, messaging across any protocol, platform, and language. Read more and download the latest specification at http://twiststandards.org/tiki-index.php?page=AMQ

CoView Eclipse Plugin for Unit Tests

CoView Professional is an Eclipse plugin that provides advanced unit tests and coverage data for complex Java applications. It creates JUnit tests that exercise method logic and data flow and measures path and branch coverage. Developers and managers can use CoView to create JUnit tests and adopt a standardized, objective unit testing program for web services, client-server and database development efforts.

Mototola Joins Mobile Linux

A partnership disclosed last week by some of the leading cellular carriers and equipment makers intends to drive competition and innovation for new wireless devices and applications with a mobile Linux operating system planned for release next year. Motorola, one of the partners, has also joined Eclipse, and is working to provide what is called the Eclipse Tools for mobile Linux (ETmL).

Java EE 5 and Hibernate

One of the main features of the new Java Persistence API that was introduced with the Java EE 5 platform is that you can plug in any persistence provider that you want. Although the Sun Application Server v9 (which ships with Java EE 5) comes with Oracle’s TopLink tool for persistence, you can replace it with others, such as Hibernate. Read this article to see how, and to explore a sample project that will walk you through it.

Posted by Eric Bruno at 09:00 AM  Permalink |

Sun just announced that the Apache Derby database, renamed JavaDB, and the Swing Visual Designer (originally Project Matisse) will be part of Java Standard Edition 6 (Mustang).

Sun also announced two new partner relationships to help further the distribution of Java: Lenovo and Founder Technology Group.

The Java Runtime Edition (JRE) will be installed and shipped on all Lenovo and Founder hardware. Java SE 6, Beta 2, is available for download at http://java.sun.com/javase/6.

There are three important messages in this press release from Sun:

• Sun is putting a lot of effort into delivering tools to make software development with the Java platform easier, and less costly, with every release of Java.

• Sun is hitting their milestones for the development and release of key Java technology, proving that developers and organizations can depend on them going forward.

• Sun is forging relationships with key industry players to ensure that Java is installed on an increasing number of desktops (and devices if you follow the Java ME world) as time goes on. For instance, Sun recently launched a new program for PC Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to distribute Java SE technology. See http://java.com/pcoem for more information.
  

Official Sun press release (6/21/2006):

Sun Adds Java DB and Swing Visual Designer to Java Development Kit and Enters Next Phase for Java Platform Standard Edition 6

Founder Technology Group and Lenovo to Distribute Java Runtime Environment

SANTA CLARA, CALIF. -- June 21, 2006 – Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW), the creator and leading advocate of Java(TM) technology, today announced it will be incorporating Java DB, the Sun supported distribution of the open source Apache Derby Project, as well as the Group Layout component from the NetBeans(TM) GUI Builder code-named Project Matisse (https://swing-layout.dev.java.net/) into the latest version of the Java Standard Edition 6 (Java SE 6) Java Development Kit (JDK(TM)). In addition, Sun announced new agreements with Founder Technology Group and Lenovo to ship the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) on their hardware.

The second Beta release of Java SE 6 technology is now available at: http://java.sun.com/javase/6. Developers are encouraged to begin their transition to Java SE 6 platform and leverage the enhancements and expanded functionality of the latest release. Scheduled for final release in the Fall of 2006, the Java SE 6 platform is the result of an industry-wide development effort that involves open review, weekly builds and extensive collaboration between Sun engineers and over 330 external developers. In addition, Sun announced its expansion of service programs for Java SE 6 developers ranging from programming-specific advice to enterprise support with its Sun Developer Expert Assistance (DEA) Program and Sun Developer Service Plans (DSP).

Java DB in Java SE 6
Beginning today, Java DB will be available through the early access weekly builds of Java SE 6 at: https://mustang.dev.java.net/. Although it has a footprint of only two megabytes (MB), Java DB is a sophisticated, fully transactional, relational Java technology-based database with support for open standards, triggers,and stored procedures. Java DB can be used either in client-server mode or embedded directly into a Java application where it can run in the same Java Virtual Machine (JVM(TM)), eliminating the need to acquire, download, install, or administer the database separately from the application. Sun offers support services for customers who choose to use Java DB in production.

Rapid Visual Development of Swing Applications
Java SE 6 will also include the new layout manager component that enables developers to create standards-based GUI layouts easily and efficiently. GroupLayout is a key component of the NetBeans GUI Builder (code named Project Matisse) that makes the design of a Java technology GUI as simple as using a WYSIWYG drawing program. With a form builder that provides visual guidelines for optimal spacing between components and their alignments, there is no need to know the underlying Swing constructs or guidelines for different looks and feels. (http://www.netbeans.info/downloads/download.php?type=5.0)

Expanding Java Technology Availability on the Desktop
Founder Technology Group and Lenovo have both signed licensing agreements to ship the latest JRE on a broad range of business and consumer desktop and notebook PCs starting as early as the third quarter of this year. As a result, their customers will have immediate access to the latest Java technology-based content and applications. With this announcement, Founder Technology Group and Lenovo join the list of leading PC manufacturers around the world that distribute the Java platform on their hardware, which also includes: Acer, Apple Computer Inc., Dell Computer Corporation, Gateway, HP, Samsung, Toshiba and Tsinghua Tongfang.

Sun recently launched a new program for PC Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to distribute Java SE technology. Using a simple online application and single 'click-through' approval of the distribution agreement PC OEMs can sign up for the program at: http://java.com/pcoem. Once approved into the program, the companies can distribute Java SE technology on the systems they deliver and have a direct channel to receive online support for the integration of the Java platform into their installation, configuration and distribution processes.

Compatibility Matters
A top priority for the Java SE 6 software is to protect developers' current and future investments by helping to ensure compatibility. Earlier this year, Sun sponsored the “Regressions Challenge”contest and invited developers to test their applications on the Java SE 6 platform. The contest resulted in more than 130 submissions and 72 bugs were filed – more than half of which already have fixes (http://download.java.net/jdk/Mustang-Regressions.html). In addition, almost 160 companies are working with Sun to help enable compatibility by actively testing their Java technology-based applications on the Java SE 6 platform.

Developers are encouraged to try out the latest features in Java SE 6 software Beta using the NetBeans IDE 5.0 software tools via download at http://www.netbeans.org. Sun's Developer Services programs (http://developers.sun.com/services) offer Java developers a complete line of developer how-to help, product support and updates, and training that reduces time and risk for the entire application lifecycle--from development through deployment. Java developers are also encouraged to join the Sun(SM) Developer Network Program, at no cost, by registering online at: http://developers.sun.com/register.

Posted by Eric Bruno at 08:51 AM  Permalink |

JBoss, now part of RedHat, has acquired Rosetta ESB, which itself was developed using the JBoss Enterprise Middleware Suite (JEMS).

The JBossESB

JBoss will incorporate Rosetta ESB into its own ESB, and release the software as open-source, with a beta planned in Q3 of this year. The acquisition addresses concerns about JBoss’ own ESB (such as the ability of JBoss to keep up with user demands), and should accelerate its release. You can read more about the acquisition in the blogs posted on JBoss’ web site.

Java SE 6 (Mustang) Beta 2

Version 6 of the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE), code-named Mustang, is currently in its second beta release – which is right on track for moving along to its Fall general release. You can download the latest beta version at http://java.sun.com/javase/6.

The current list of approved Java SE 6 features are listed below (courtesy of Sun Microsystems, Inc.):

Client (Desktop)	Core	Enterprise
2D - GIF image writer	JSR 223: Scripting for the Java Platform	JSR 250: Common annotations
AWT - Access to Desktop helper applications - Fast splash screens - Improved modal dialogs - System-tray support	Debug - Access to heap contents - Attach-on-demand - Multiple simultaneous agents	JDBC - JSR 221: JDBC 4.0
Internationalization - Pluggable locale data - Resource-bundle enhancements - Unicode string normalization	Libs - Array reallocation - Collections: Deques - Collections: Sorted sets and maps with bidirectional navigation - Critical file-I/O enhancements - Floating point: Add core IEEE 754 recommended functions - java.util.concurrent updates JSR 202: Java Class-File Specification Update - Password prompting - Reflective access to parameter names - Service-provider lookup	XML - JavaBeans Activation Framework (JAF) 1.1 - JSR 173: Streaming API for XML (StAX) - JSR 181: Web Services Metadata - JSR 222: Java Architecture for XML Binding (JAXB) 2.0 - JSR 224: Java API for XML Web Services (JAX-WS) 2.0
Swing - Baseline/gap APIs - Improve Swing drag-and-drop - JTabbedPane: Tabs as components - JTable sorting, filtering, and highlighting - SwingWorker - Text-component printing	Management & Monitoring - Generalized lock monitoring - Generalized MBean descriptors - Generic annotations for MBean descriptor contents - MXBeans
	Net - Internationalized domain names - Internationalized resource identifiers - Programmatic access to network parameters - Simple HTTP cookie manager
	Security - JSR 105: XML Digital-Signature APIs
	Tools - JSR 199: Java Compiler API - JSR 269: Pluggable Annotation-Processing API
Features Co-Bundled With the JDK
Java DB, based on Apache Derby
Rhino JavaScript engine

Posted by Eric Bruno at 09:03 AM  Permalink |

June 14, 2006

JBullet and Resource Injection

Have you checked out the JBullet web framework?

You can download release 1.0 of JBullet at https://jbullet-web.dev.java.net, and you can contribute to the next release. JBullet is a simple MVC-based framework for Java web applications that’s straightforward and simple. It doesn’t use XML for configuration, and doesn’t require you to learn anything new. You simply write your class code, use the provided base classes and tag library, and you’ll soon discover why it’s named JBullet -- it's fast and to the point.

For example, the following code (when deployed in a Servlet container such as Tomcat), displays a simple "Hello World" web page:

import org.jbullet.controller.BaseController;
public class HelloController extends BaseController
{
    public void index()
    {
        renderText("Hello World");
    }
    public void eric()
    {
        renderText("Hello from Eric!!!!");
    }
}

In this example (Tomcat’s web.xml configuration not shown), navigating your browser to the URL http://localhost/HelloController displays the text "Hello World" on the page. However, navigating to http://localhost/HelloController/eric invokes the eric() method of the class HelloController, and results in the text "Hello from Eric!!!!" on the page.

Resource Injection and Java EE 5

Annotations in Java EE 5 enable the injection of resources, services, and notifications in your enterprise applications, making it easier and simpler to develop applications that access databases or web services. Resource injection eliminates the need to write boiler-plate code, or messy XML configuration files. For example, the following sample code’s use of annotations informs the container to inject the needed resource automatically (no explicit JNDI lookup is needed):

private @Resource DataSource catalogDS;
public getProductsByCategory() {
    // Get a connection and execute the query.
    Connection conn = catalogDS.getConnection();
    ...
} 

To read more about Java EE 5 and resource injection, read this article recently posted on Sun’s Java EE site.

Posted by Eric Bruno at 05:01 AM  Permalink |

June 12, 2006

Java at the Opera

Opera and eBay have collaborated to bring the world of eBay auctions to your mobile phone.

Opera Mini is the software that allows any Java-enabled mobile phone to be used to enter bids for items available on eBay. There's is also support for those selling items on eBay. Click here to see some screenshots of the mobile application. Read this InformationWeek article for more information on bringing eBay to your mobile phone.

The fact that Java is available on over 1 billion mobile phones (and growing) is a driving factor for companies to innovate on the Java ME platform. For example, this month's issue of Dr. Dobb's includes an article on how to bring AM/FM radio capabilities to your cell phone.

Sprint, JavaME, and NetBeans

Sprint offers the Sprint Wireless Toolkit for NetBeans to enable developers to quickly build innovative applications for cell phones and handheld devices. The toolkit and the Sprint Applications Developer Program (ADP) supports Java ME, XHTML development for wireless Web content, messaging infrastructure integration that includes text and multimedia messaging, BlackBerry handhelds, Palm Powered phones, and embedded devices. Sprint ADP also supports the company's wireless location services platform for on-device and network-based solutions.

JavaOne Sessions and Hand-on Labs Available

The presentations and materials from the technical sessions and hands-on labs from JavaOne 2006 are now available for download.

Posted by Eric Bruno at 09:00 AM  Permalink |

June 05, 2006

Sun Hits the Jackpot

At JavaOne, Sun introduced Jackpot. Now it's your turn to "pull the handle" and try your luck with this new code refactoring tool.

Sun Jackpot

Jackpot is a platform library to help you easily find and correct patterns in Java source code using static analysis. Jackpot currently plugs into NetBeans, but will replace NetBeans’ built-in code refactoring in the near future. The plug-ins provide a user interface to perform refactoring, as well as a development environment to create and use custom refactoring queries.

To learn more about Jackpot, and how it differs from today’s refactoring tools, visit the NetBeans site.

Hydrate 2.0 Released

Hydrate is a Java tool that transforms data between three different representations: relational databases, objects in an object-oriented programming language, and extended markup language (XML). Hydrate supports EJB3 persistence, and includes a GUI to help with data mapping chores.

Liferay Portal 4.0.0 Released

Liferay Portal is an open-source portal that helps you collaborate more efficiently by providing a consolidated view of disparate applications. Liferay provides a hot deployable theme architecture that allows you to change the look and feel of the portal without modifying source code. There are currently two editions of Liferay Portal: Liferay Portal Professional (runs in any Servlet container / web server); and Liferay Portal Enterprise (requires a Java EE compliant application server).

Liferay supports the JSR-168 Portlet specification; Hibernate for persistence; integration with JavaServer Faces; Ajax; lightweight frameworks such as Spring and Struts; the Velocity template engine; and the WSRP standard for portlet publication.

Posted by Eric Bruno at 11:37 AM  Permalink |