Using and Developing JavaBeans

Using and Developing JavaBeans
Rev. 1.1

This four-day course runs from an introduction to the JavaBeans architecture through in-depth coverage of implementation techniques and issues. The course taken as a whole is intended to give the student with no prior JavaBeans experience (but a good working knowledge of the Java language) a firm understanding of the component model, of how to use it in application development by using predeveloped Beans, and of how to develop JavaBeans from scratch. The course contains many example programs and exercises using the Bean Development Kit (BDK).

The first module is an introduction to the JavaBeans component model, to the builder tool – using the BDK’s BeanBox as a stand-in for a commercial builder tool – and to practical issues of finding, understanding and using JavaBeans as found on the market. This module concentrates on the use of existing Beans in rapid application development. It is appropriate both for programmers who want to develop JavaBeans, and as a standalone module for rapid application developers who may not have Java coding experience but wish to use existing JavaBeans in their work.

The second module focuses on requirements and techniques for building JavaBeans from Java source code. It details the requirements of the Beans specification in naming Beans features as public methods on a Java class. The introspection process is liberally treated, including automatic analysis and custom information using BeanInfo classes. Property editors and graphical customizers are covered to conclude the module. Throughout, the BDK’s BeanBox is used as a testing tool and also as an exemplar of the role a commercial Beans builder tool plays in Beans development. Generated code from the BeanBox is dug up and disassembled in a few cases as a way of investigating the importance of certain standards and techniques.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Understand the Beans component model as a tool for increasing productivity in software development and for enabling interoperability with other vendors’ components.
Learn how to use existing Beans for rapid application development of Java programs.
Learn how to design and to implement JavaBeans as Java classes from scratch.
Learn the use of the tools provided by the BDK.

Course Duration: 4 days

Prerequisites: For the first module the student should have a basic understanding of Java software architecture (e.g. Module 1 from Object Innovations' Java Programming course). Some experience with GUI building, perhaps in similar RAD environments, will be helpful. The second module will require a good background in Java programming, including object-oriented use of the language, GUI programming, and an understanding of streams and serialization.

Module 1: Introduction to JavaBeans

1. The JavaBeans Component Model

Overview
Role of a Bean
Life of a Bean
Properties
Methods
Events
Beans Standards in Other APIs

2. Builder Tools and the BeanBox

The BeanBox
Design-time vs. Run-time
JARs, Manifests Identifying Beans
Adding Beans to a GUI
Binding Properties
Connecting via Events
Using Non-Visual Beans
Saving Boxes of Beans

3. Developing Software Using Beans

Procuring Beans
Finding Out about a Bean
Exercising Beans
Beans in Applications
Generating an Applet

Module 2: JavaBeans Development

1. Implementing JavaBeans

Defining Properties
Firing Events
Defining Event Handlers
JARring the Bean
Testing in the BeanBox
Bound Properties
Vetoable Properties
Bean Serialization

2. Events in JavaBeans

Review of Java Event Model
Defining a Custom Event Class
Defining a Listener Interface
Implementing Event Source Behavior
Implementing an Event Handler
Events in the BeanBox
Generated Event Handlers – Some Sleuthing
Generated Connections in an Applet

3. Introspection

Introspection – Who Needs It?
Reflection – Summary
Instantiating a Bean
The Introspection Process
BeanInfo
Automatic Analysis

4. Providing BeanInfo

Custom Profiles Using BeanInfo
Associating an Icon with a Bean
Simplifying the List of Methods
Feature Descriptors
Supporting Non-Standard Names
Additional BeanInfo

5. Customization

Property Sheets
Property Editors
Connection Using Property Views
Implementing a Property Editor
Customizers
The BeanDescriptor
Implementing a Customizer

Appendices

Appendix A. References

Appendix B. Quick Reference: Beans Naming Conventions

System Requirements

Hardware (Recommended)

CPU: Pentium 120 or equivalent or faster
RAM: 32 MB (64 MB)
Disk: 200 MB (500 MB)

Software

JDK version 1.2 or higher
Preferably with the Core API source code unpacked into directories
Preferably with full HTML documentation also installed
BDK version 1.1 – platform-independent version
No commercial builder tools / IDEs are required, but they can be used if preferred