Java Beans

Definitions
A reusable software component that can be manipulated visually in a builder tool. (from JavaBean Specification) The JavaBeans API provides a framework for defining reusable, embeddable, modular software components.

Intro to JavaBeans
What are JavaBeans?

Software components written in Java Connect and Configure Components Builder Tools allow connection and configuration of Beans Begins Age of Component Developer Bringing Engineering methods to Software Engineering (e.g. electronics)

The JavaBeans API

Features implemented as extensions to standard Java Class Library Main Component Services

GUI merging Persistence Event Handling Introspection Application Builder Support

User Interface Merging

Containers usually have Menus and/or toolbars Allows components to add features to the menus and/or toolbars Define mechanism for interface layout between components and containers

Persistence
Components can be stored and retrieved Default inherit serialization Can define more complex solutions based on needs of the components

Event Handling
Defines how components interact Java AWT event model serves as basis for the event handling APIs Provides a consistent way for components to interact with each other

Introspection
Defines techniques so components can expose internal structure at design time Allows development tools to query a component to determine member variables, methods, and interfaces Standard naming patterns used Based on java.lang.reflect

Application Builder Support

Provides support for manipulating and editing components at design time Used by tools to provide layout and customizing during design Should be separate from component Not needed at run time

Creating a JavaBean
Requirements for a simple Bean Packaging Bean in a JAR file Additional Information BeanInfo Defining property editors Defining Bean customizers Naming Conventions

Bean NON Requirements

No Bean Superclass Visible interface not required

Invisible Beans (timer, random number generator, complex calculation)

Bean Requirements
Introspection

Exports: properties, methods, events

Subset of components internal state Invoked to execute component code Notification of a change in state User activities (typing, mouse actions, )

Properties

Methods

Events (If any needed)

Bean Requirements
Customization

Developer can change appearance

Persistence

Save current state so it can be reloaded

Other properties
Indexed properties

Array value with get and set elements

Bound properties

Triggers event when value changed

Triggers event when value changes and allows listeners to veto the change

Constrained properties

BeanInfo class
Provides more information using FeatureDescripter objects Subclasses:

BeanDescripter, PropertyDescripter, IndexedPropertyDescripter, EventSetDescripter, MethodDescripter, ParameterDescripter

BeanInfo class
ICON to represent Bean Customizer Class (wizard for set up) Property Editor references List of properties with descriptions List of methods with descriptions Method to reset properties to defaults

The beanbox
Primary task is setting property values Property editors for common types

Set Set Set Set

Font background/foreground colors numeric values string values

Creating a Bean
Usually extends Canvas (New window) Can extend Component (lightweight) Needs constructor with no arguments Paint() method used to display getPreferredSize(), getMinimumSize()

For layout manager defaults

get and set methods for each property

Packaging the Bean

Create a JAR file (JavaARchive)

Patterned after tar utility

Create stub manifest

Name: smith/proj/beans/BeanName.class Java-Bean: True (forward slashes even under Windows!)

Installing the Bean

Beanbox: copy jar file to /jars directory within the BDK directory Different depending on tool used

Some Naming Conventions

Beans

Class name: any Constructor: no argument or serialized template file Packaging: jar file with Java-Bean: True

More Naming Conventions

Properties

Get and set using property name Property name: message

public String getMessage()
Public void setMessage(String s)

More Naming Conventions

Events

Event name: Answer

Class name: AnswerEvent

Listener name: AnswerListener

Listener methods:

public void methodname(AnswerEvent e) public void addAnswerListener(AnswerListener l) public void removeAnswerListener( l)

Demo of IBMs VisualAge Tool

VisualAge for Java Version 1.0