The WDVL: Java (TM) Development Tools
To develop Java software you need a development tool. The Java development kit freely
available from JavaSoft provides a command level
compiler for developing Java software. You use your favorite text editor to write the
Java code and compile it using the "javac" command. To test a Java application you just
execute it at command level. To test an applet you would use the applet viewer available
in the JDK to launch an HTML document that specifies the applet tag and your applet.
Those who want a friendlier development environment should consider a Java software tool
like a IDE, a RAD or a development tool.
Java Software Tools
An IDE (integrated development environment) provides a graphical user interface for
Java programmers to build, debug, and test Java software. A development tool allows
for the quick development of Java software using a graphical user interface with a
drag-and-drop approach. A development tool offers prebuild components that the user
pieces together to build software. A RAD is a rapid application development tool that
combines an IDE, a development tool and additional software development functions into a
comprehensive product for developing Java software.
Java Tools Vendors
Java Workshop
is offered by JavaSoft as an IDE written in Java.
Visual Cafe by Symantec is a highly touted
IDE for Java. Now offering a release with JDK 1.1 support.
Visual Age for Java by IBM is
a enterprise level Rapid Application Development tool for project-based team development
of Java software.
CodeWarrior Professional by Metroworks is a
Macintosh IDE.
JBuilder from Borland is a "visual
Java development tool for building cross-platform, web-delivered, multi-tiered
client/server applications".
Visual J++ from Microsoft is a IDE
that has a very fast compiler.
Parts for Java is a drag-and-drop visual
programming environment for Java.
Supercede from Asymetrix is
a set of RAD products for Java developers.
Super Mojo from Penumbra Software is a
Java RAD tool.
JavaWorld provides a comprehensive catalog of links to Java development tools and
IDE's.
Java Woman is a Java resource
site that provides numerous links to Java tools and IDE's.
Java Tools Reviews
JavaWorld provides a review and comparison of the top 5 Java IDE's available today.
CNET provides a
review of Java IDE's and Java development tools.
Visual Age for Java
is reviewed by PC WEEK online.
Java Developers
Journal provides reviews of Java development tools and IDE's.
PowerJ is a
Powersoft development tool for Java. This is a brief review from the Java Report
magazine online.
JavaShareware offers a wide variety of Java
related resources. Numerous links to Java development tools are available along with
links to Java Applets, Applications, Servlets and Java Beans.
Visual Cafe is
reviewed by PC Magazine Online. Symantec Corporation's Visual Café is a leading Java
IDE.
JFactory is advertised as a
Rapid Application Development tool and sold by Rogue Wave Software. Here you will read a
review written by Steve Steinhardt.
JFactory is reviewed by Web Developer magazine.
Java JDK's
JDK 1.0.2 is the Java
Development Kit available from JavaSoft that programmers should use to create Java
applets that can be supported by the Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 and Netscape
Navigator 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 browsers.
JDK 1.1.2 is the latest Java
Development Kit available. Applets developed with this kit will not work under the
current popular browsers. You will have to use the JavaSoft appletviewer and the
HotJava browser.
Apple MRJ 1.0.2 and MRJ SDK 1.0.2 provide
Java development software for the Macintosh platform.
JavaSoft provides a
comprehensive index to the products and API's available from JavaSoft.
JavaSoft's List of Java
Platforms provides links to Java developement kits on numerous platforms, including,
IBM, Digital, Apple, SGI, Linux, Novell and more.
Java-enabled Browsers
Apple CyberDog
Netscape Navigator 4.0
Netscape Navigator 3.0
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0
Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0
Sun Microsystems' HotJava.
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