The purpose of this book is to help the reader understand the basics and the basis of JavaBeans technology. Morrison is careful to make sure that all terms are defined, and new terms with complete definitions are boxed, as are technical notes. This style makes the book an excellent choice for those who want to learn about JavaBeans but are not experienced developers.
So what's so special about JavaBeans? As Morrison explains, this new technology is appealing because of its portability and ability to be reused. As the mission statement of the JavaBeans technology phrases it: "Write once, run anywhere, reuse everywhere."
The book covers software component basics, the JavaBeans API, JavaBean construction, and more advanced topics, such as hand-coding, security, and integration with other component models such as ActiveX and OpenDoc. The appendices are unusually complete, offering an extensive list of online resources and an API "Quick Reference." The accompanying CD-ROM includes both Windows software (Java, HTML tools, and graphics, video, and sound applications, as well as utilities) and Mac software (Java, HTML, graphics, and utilities).
JavaScript is not a difficult language, but some of the concepts do require expertise. This book is organized so that regardless of your skill level you can learn JavaScript concepts. Each chapter begins with a "How do I..." list, with a notation as to the complexity of the material covered in that chapter. By working your way through the book, you'll master the information needed to be able to handle the intermediate and advanced subject matter.
You'll want to be sure and install the files in the accompanying CD-ROM, because it includes all of the sample JavaScript code covered in the book. The files can be copied to Windows 3.x, Windows NT, Windows 95, Macintosh, or UNIX systems.
Your first question may be, "So why should I want to learn JavaScript?" Well, if you have a Web page, you have a good reason. JavaScript is ideal for adding interactive content or functionality to HTML documents. As the authors point out, JavaScript "reduces an HTML document's dependency on the server for its processing power," giving developers "great power by allowing them to trap user events and dynamically build HTML documents `on the fly.'"
In addition to the authors' attention to making the information easily understood, they should be lauded for prefacing each "How do I..." explanation with information about that technique's compatibility. As Web authors know (or should know), designing pages that are exquisite if a user has Navigator 3.0 and illegible to Internet Explorer users is asking to be bombarded with messages from annoyed netsurfers. By putting in notations such as "Compatibility: Navigator 2.x; Explorer 3.x," the book's authors help you avoid that danger.
This hefty volume (733 pages) gives developers a complete package of JavaBeans information. Brookshier does not require the reader to have prior knowledge of JavaBeans. He begins with an overview, providing the API goal, and explaining the interface and design signatures.
The chapter on software component architectures looks at generic examples, then narrows into specifics. Some of the chapters are written by other engineers, adding to the depth of knowledge comprising this book. Bill la Forge, a senior research engineer with The Open Group, for example, does a superb job of authoring the section on applying the BDK (Bean Development Kit) examples globally.
Other topics include JavaBeans and events, how and when to create a JavaBean, internationalization, and JavaBeans and related APIs. The CD-ROM that accompanies the book includes BDK and JDK 1.1.
Written in a user-friendly style, "How to Program JavaBeans" takes apart JavaBeans and puts them back together. The authors have a lively style, noting, for example, that the "Java language is still quite young compared to veterans (or geezers?) like COBOL."
Their relaxed approach does not, however, mean the book lacks depth. Quite the contrary. You'll learn the goals of JavaBeans, understand the APPI, and discover how to create and customize Beans. Subjects covered include using the BeanBox (a demonstration builders tool), JavaBean events, using properties, building your own Beans, using Beans, and ActiveX.
The CD-ROM includes JDK 1.1.1, BDK 1.0, the electronic version of "How to Program Java," and other Java-related extras.