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Working with Databases and Web Services
In addition to creating forms pages, it is often necessary to
obtain data from databases, or call on remote Web Services.
These actions are done using the server navigator window in the
top left of the IDE. New Web Services and Datasources can be
added by right-clicking the appropriate icon and entering the
driver/database information (in the case of datasources) or WSDL
location (in the case of a Web Service).
The database tools in JSC are quite handy. You can browse the
tables and views in a database, and even view the contents of
them. Web Service methods are browsed in a similar manner.
Adding the results of a Web Service call or database query can
be done by right-clicking on the table/view or Web Service
method and choosing to add it to the page. From there, the
results can be bound to any of the components, and thus output
into the page, into a drop-down menu for example.
Java Source Editing
Other than creating interfaces, JSC can be used to edit the Java
source directly. This is done in the usual way. Snippets can be
dragged into Java files, but be careful as this action currently
can not be undone. There are no real shortcuts here, however.
Editing Java code is editing Java code in JSC as in any other
IDE. Figure 3 shows the Java source editor.
Conclusion
Overall, JSC is a good tool. Yes, there were some performance
issues, as when the IDE totally disappeared after leaving it
open and unattended on my computer for a few hours. But this IS
pre-release software after all, and overall I was impressed with
how well it functioned. Its standards-based development paradigm is a
strength, and the user interface is intuitive and functional.
Admittedly, because it relies solely on JSP/JSF it is mostly
competing with script-level IDES: Dreamweaver being the most
notable example, and while it does offer distinct advantages
when working directly with the Java, it is in that category that
it will have to improve to become a really viable tool for J2EE
developers. I look forward to the full release and would
recommend all Java developers at least look into this IDE.
Drew Falkman is
the author of the JRun Web Application Construction Kit and co-
author (with Ben Forta) of Reality ColdFusion: J2EE Integration,
both published by Macromedia Press. Over the past 6 years, Drew
has developed over 150 Web applications in all sizes using
ColdFusion and Java. Currently Drew consults, speaks at events,
writes for numerous publications, and teaches courses at
Portland State University. His latest project through his
consulting company, Veraison LLC, was a real-time cattle auction
using Flash Remoting and Flash Communication Server. In
addition, Drew is a member of Team Macromedia, a certified
ColdFusion Developer and a certified Macromedia instructor.
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Elsewhere on internet.com:
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Customizable portal with online training, FAQs, regular news updates, and tutorials.
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