Review of: |
| JBuilder is a development application for Java Applets, which have
nothing to do with either an island on the Indian Ocean, or a 50 year old
cup of coffee. It has a great deal to do with the Internet.
Sun Microsystems is trying to establish Java as a platform, just as Windows is a platform. There is some disagreement as to whether it is a platform, a programming language, or simply an application development tool. In reality, it is probably some of each. If you have visited a website containing animation's, scrolling text, inter activity, etc., then you are familiar with Java. Java can be used to write platform independent applications, or applications for a specific operating system. The main advantage, and what Sun wants it used for, is to create "write once, run everywhere" applications, and the applets used to dress up websites are only a small part of the versatility of Java. Installation is from a CD-ROM. If you have autorun engaged, the setup program starts as soon as the CD door closes. If you don't have autorun configured, switch to your CD drive, select "File", "Run" , and type "setup" and hit the enter key. An easily understood series of dialog boxes leads you through the installation and setup process. As is typical of other Borland products I have used, The process is easy and uneventful. It took two minutes and forty seconds to install on my machine. The installation of the Interbase Server v4.2.1 took about thirty seconds. Note there is a demo version of Borland IntraBuilder included on the CD, and now would be a good time to install that if you want. Some products require a thorough reading of the manual(s) before installation, but not this one. If you do feel that you need some help to install, check out Chapter 3, page 3-1, of the Programmer Guide. Borland helps you adapt to their applications by maintaining consistent GUI's (Graphical User Interfaces), throughout their product line. New controls are added, but old familiar ones are continued, minimizing the learning curve. All applications in every publisher's line should do this, and it appears more are doing exactly that. Computers are still much too difficult to use, and anything that makes it easier should be encouraged. Besides online documentation (industry standard now), there are two manuals (yea Borland!). One is a User Manual of approximately 232 pages, the other is a Programmer's Manual with about 194 pages. Both are fairly thorough without being too technical. Writing a manual that gets the job done without putting the reader to sleep, or giving them a headache is a real challenge, and these are pretty good. "The User's Guide describes the development environment, explains how to create and manage projects, design your user interface, and compile and debug Java programs. The Programmer's Guide, which comprises two main sections: the "Database Applications Developer's Guide" explains JBuilders database features, and the "Component Writer's Guide" tells you how to develop custom JavaBeans components using JBuilder, the Component Library Reference Documents Classes, and Interfaces in JBuilders JavaBeans Component Library." There are tutorials you can follow to ease your way into using JBuilder. I strongly recommend you spend some time with the them, as they will shorten the curve. Numerous examples of code are available to use with the tutorials, as well as your own projects. JBuilder provides a comprehensive set of visual development tools for creating Pure Java business and database applications. You have a drag-and-drop development, 100+ reusable JavaBeans with source code, and scalable database tools with complete JDBC (the SQL interface for Java that focuses on executing RAW SQL statements and retrieving their results-it has two major sets of interfaces:JDBC API (for application writers) and JDBC Driver API (for developers writing Java-based drivers) connectivity. JBuilder creates Pure Java Applications which means they will run on almost any platform, including Windows, Macintosh, OS/2, UNIX, and more. This saves a great deal of time by not building several versions of an application. Several major publishers are developing suites of applications written in Java, and Internet web development is pushing Java. Developers now are writing more for the Windows environment than for the specific application itself, reducing effectiveness, and causing bloated, bug-ridden code. Java is one possible way to write better applications that are faster, easier to use, and less bug infested. JBuilder uses the now familiar wizards to simplify (?) development. These are used in word processors, spreadsheets, etc., and in many instances, do make it easier. I have been using other Java development tools recently to get a feel for the environment, and JBuilder is my favorite. It is the easiest to use, but I also have a bias toward Borland products, as I have used them for some time, and am comfortable with them. I did not use the help as it so far has not been necessary, and the help is not free. There is a semblance of help on Borland's website for no charge, but FAQs only go so far. There is no toll free number either, so prepare for long distance charges. Help is basically negotiated as needed with various fees charged by Borland. If you think about it, excepting bugs in the application, you are really only entitled to installation help. Learning to use a product is the responsibility of the customer. For those who want to learn more about Java without investing in software first, go to the originator's. Sun Microsystems has all the information you need at their website. You can download written information, tools, and even the JDK (Java Developers Kit), free! http://java.sun.com/products/index.html or http://java.sun.com/docs/index.html For current written articles about Java: http://www.wired.com/news/java.
System Requirements:
I was unable to find JBuilder in stock locally, but as always, it can be ordered. A specialized product like JBuilder simply is not a high demand product, and you would not expect to readily find it. You can buy it direct from Borland (not recommended- FULL PRICE!), or mail order it. The average mail order price is $89.99 for the 'standard' version, $210 for the 'pro' version upgrade, and a whopping $575 for the full 'pro' version. Borland International, Inc. Corporate Headquarters
I am a Petroleum Landman who finds computers useful as a tool in that arena. However, I find them infinitely less entertaining than dealing face to face with people. Have you ever tried to outsmart an inanimate object? |