Glossary
Below are the words or phrases you are most likely to encounter during your travels on the Java Boutique.
Definitions are kindly provided by Webopedia.
For additional information, click on the term to be taken to the Webopedia's complete definition.
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100% pure Java
Sun Microsystems created the "100 percent pure Java" campaign, and certifies applications written totally in Java code, meaning that the applets or applications will run in all systems equipped with a Java Virtual Machine, not just in Microsoft Windows environments.
applet
A program designed to be executed from within another application. Unlike an application, applets cannot be executed directly from the operating system.
application
A program or group of programs designed for end users.
AWT
Short for Abstract Windows Toolkit, the Java API that enables programmers to develop Java applications with GUI components, such as windows, buttons, and scroll bars.
browser
Short for Web browser, a software application used to locate and display Web pages. The two most popular browsers are Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
class
In object-oriented programming, a category of objects, or the applet file itself. For example, there might be a class called shape that contains objects which are circles, rectangles, and triangles.
compile
To transform a program written in a high-level programming language from source code into object code. Programmers write programs in a form called source code. Source code must go through several steps before it becomes an executable program. The first step is to pass the source code through a compiler, which translates the high-level language instructions into object code.
cut
To remove an object from a document and place it in a buffer. In word processing, for example, cut means to move a section of text from a document to a temporary buffer; Control-C
extend
Declare a class as an extension (or subclass) of another class, inheriting its fields and methods.
HTML
Short for HyperText Markup Language, the authoring language used to create documents on the World Wide Web.
ISA:
is a defines a direct relationship between a superclass and a subclass
A subclass is a type of the superclass.
ex:
- A dog is an animal
- A circle is a shape
IDE
A programming environment integrated into an application. For example, Microsoft Office applications support various versions of the BASIC programming language.
JAR
Short for Java Archive, a file format used to bundle all components required by a Java applet. JAR files simplify the downloading of applets since all the components (.class files, images, sounds, etc.) can be packaged into a single file.
java
A high-level programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. Java is an object-oriented language similar to C++, but simplified to eliminate language features that cause common programming errors.
javabean
A specification developed by Sun Microsystems that defines how Java objects interact. An object that conforms to this specification is called a JavaBean.
javascript
A scripting language developed by Netscape to enable Web authors to design interactive sites. Although it shares many of the features and structures of the full Java language, it was developed independently.
JDBC
Short for Java Database Connectivity, a Java API that enables Java programs to execute SQL statements. This allows Java programs to interact with any SQL-compliant database.
JDK
Short for Java Development Kit, a software development kit (SDK) for producing Java programs.
JIT
Short for just-in-time compiler, a code generator that converts Java bytecode into machine language instructions.
Jini
Jini is defined as an infrastructure and programming model which allow devices to connect with each other to create an instant "community." Jini technology enables devices to work with each other, so users can create their own personal networks or communities no matter where they are located. Access your appliances at home or the office, or connect to your network while you're the road.
JVM
A self-contained operating environment that behaves as if it is a separate computer. For example, Java applets run in a Java virtual machine (JVM) that has no access to the host operating system.
Object Oriented
A type of programming in which programmers define not only the data type of a data structure, but also the types of operations (functions) that can be applied to the data structure.
Open-Closed principle:
A software module which should be closed for modification but open for extension.
page
Short for Web page.
parameter
Characteristic. For example, specifying parameters means defining the characteristics of something. In general, parameters are used to customize a program. For example, filenames, page lengths, and font specifications could all be considered parameters.
paste
To copy an object from a buffer (or clipboard) to a file. In word processing, blocks of text are moved from one place to another by cutting and pasting.
program
An organized list of instructions that, when executed, causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner.
servlet
An applet that runs on a server. The term usually refers to a Java applet that runs within a Web server environment. This is analogous to a Java applet that runs within a Web browser environment.
shareware
Software distributed on the basis of an honor system. Most shareware is delivered free of charge, but the author usually requests that you pay a small fee if you like the program and use it regularly.
web
A system of Internet servers that support specially formatted documents. The documents are formatted in a language called HTML (HyperText Markup Language) that supports links to other documents, as well as graphics, audio, and video files.
New on the Java Boutique:
New Review:
Time Management Made Easy with the Quartz Enterprise Job Scheduler
Why not just use the Java timer API? This open source scheduling
API boasts simplicity, ease-of-integration, a well-rounded feature
set, and it's free!
New Applet:
Reverse Complement
Reverse Complement is a simple applet that converts DNA or RNA
sequences into three useful formats.
Elsewhere on internet.com:
WebDeveloper Java
Lots of Java information on webdeveloper.com
WDVL Java
Thorough Java resource at the Web Developer's Virtual Library.
ScriptSearch Java
Hundreds of free Java code files to download.
jGuru: Your View of the Java Universe
Customizable portal with online training, FAQs, regular news updates, and tutorials.
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