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JavaBeansTM - Component APIs for Java

The frozen JavaBeans 1.0 specification is now available. Here is

* the postscript for the 1.0 spec * the acrobat for the 1.0 spec

and the javadoc API definitions are also online. See also related API specifications.

Memo to Java Developers -- The Choice is Clear: Write to JavaBeans

JavaBeans extends Java's "write once - run everywhere" capability to reusable component development. In fact, JavaBeans takes interoperability a major step forward -- your code runs on every OS and also within any application environment. A Beans developer secures a future in the emerging network software market without losing customers that use proprietary platforms, because JavaBeans interoperate with ActiveX, OpenDoc and LiveConnect.

The JavaBeans specification -- which was completed ahead of schedule -- defines a set of standard component software APIs for the Java platform. The specification was developed by JavaSoft with a number of leading industry partners and was then refined based on broad general input from ISVs, customers, and end-users during a public review period.

The JavaBeans APIs allow ISVs to develop reusable software components that end-users can then hook together using visual application builder tools, such as Borland's Latte, IBM's Visual Age, SunSoft's JavaWorkshop and Symantec's Cafe. The JavaBeans API will connect via bridges into existing industry component models such as ActiveX, OpenDoc, and LiveConnect. Software components that use JavaBeans APIs will thus be portable to containers including Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, HotJava, CyberDog, Visual Basic, Word, ClarisWorks, etc.

For a broader overview of component software and of the JavaBeans initiative, see the JavaBeans overview White Paper. For an outline of the main JavaBeans API areas see the main API Areas. See also the October 16 press release with industry endorsements.

Developing JavaBeans

JavaSoft will release a preliminary Java Beans Developer Kit in December that will provide:

* full support for the beans APIs * a test container (the "beanbox") to test bean behaviour * example beans * documentation and tutorials

However, if you want to start developing beans you can begin immediately! It is possible to start initial bean development under JDK 1.0.2 using a subset of the beans APIs, but conforming to the standard beans property/event/method model.

Developer meeting

JavaSoft will host a developer event to acquaint component developers with JavaBeans in Long Beach, Calif. on November 6, 1996. Subscribe to our beans-info mailing list (see below) to get further information about this event.

Staying in touch

We maintain a mailing list for regular information about Java Beans updates and events. To subscribe send an email message to beans-info-request@wombat.eng.sun.com containing the single line:

subscribe beans-info

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