Welcome, developers, to the Java technology zone.
In this zone developerWorks offers online tutorials, tools, downloads, hints and tips, free source code, access to local Java user groups (JUGs), book reviews, and upcoming events. You’ll even find the latest news collected from various independent sources, have access to experts within IBM, hear from your developer heroes, and learn about the solutions being implemented by Java teams implementing Java in the field.
The Java technology zone also hosts jCentral, a fast and powerful search engine for Java-related material including applets, beans, and source code. By using jCentral, developers can search other developer Web sites, all public Web sites, and other corporate Web sites.
In this zone the spotlight is on you, the Java developer, and our goal is to become your leading resource for the Java development.
When Sun first unveiled Java in 1995, I (like many developers) used it simply to enhance my Web site. Back then, I combed the Web for hours every time I wanted the latest Java applet to make my site cooler than my Web-building friends' sites. These days, it’s much simpler to use animated GIFs that accomplish much of what Java did for us then. But Java's importance has moved far beyond Web design. Now we speak of business-to-business transactions over the Web with higher demands on Java, and likewise the resources required are no longer simple applets but relatively complex elements such as Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs) and Java Server Pages.
The Java technology zone strives to help you make sense of Java's many current (and future) features and functions. We’re pulling together the best resources for you to use for anything from that multi-million dollar Java project your boss expects next month to a class assignment due yesterday. No matter how you're using Java, you'll find resources here designed to serve your wants and needs.
Dig in! We offer a number of helpful and informative sections.
Tools and code -- a source of developer relief
Here you'll find many tools and pieces of source code available for download. The zone holds JavaBeans gathered from IBM research centers around the world, plus pure Java APIs that provide database access and manipulation capabilities, enhance JDBC, and more. We also link to more resources, such as the Netscape DevEdge Crossware Component Directory and Sun’s JavaBean Directory. (And don't forget about jCentral -- our Java-specific search engine!) Even if we don’t have it at developerWorks, we’ll make sure you can find and get it. In this section we also provide technology previews of Java-based applications, applets, and tools that can help you write, compile, debug, and deploy Java programs in all kinds of environments. Plus, you'll find developer kits and authoring tools such as VisualAge for Java and WebSphere Studio.
Electronic bookworms?
The papers library holds white papers and other Java-related documents, including frequently asked questions (FAQs) and numerous book reviews -- all in an easy-to-search format.
What’s news?
With so many different sources of Java-related news available, we decided not to reinvent the wheel. Instead, we bring those independent sources of information together under our Headlines and News sections. For a more specific look at the news from within IBM’s own Java development community, we provide a subscription to IBM’s Java Update Newsletter.
Back to school again
The Java zone could be a major contributor to your Java education. With online courses and locations to get classroom training, instructors, students, and programmers will find this section incredibly useful. If you're absolutely new to Java or a seasoned programmer looking for a quick refresher course or lessons on a new Java API, our original Java tutorials can have you programming everything from a simple Java applet to EJBs.
Lessons learned
If you’re interested in the trials and tribulations of implementing Java solutions, check out our case studies section. This growing collection of reports spans a wide variety of industries, from banking and finance to travel and utilities.
Getting local
Our community section shows when and where local Java User Groups (JUGs) are meeting, how to start your own JUG, and how to tap into Java newsgroups. We also provide links to related Java Web sites.
You’re invited
In our events section you can find out when and where the next big Java event will take place. Take a look and plan ahead.
Need some support?
Within the Java technology zone, our Developer Programs link offers memberships to a number of programs that provide the business, technical, and marketing services developers need to successfully write and market Java applications.
Service
Follow our link to services if you're a Java commercial solution developer who seeks performance engineering and profiling assistance on a worldwide scale. There you'll also find information about workshops and custom installation services for some IBM products.
Drop us a line
Is there something you can't live without that the developerWorks Java zone should provide? Do you have suggestions or ideas that may help us better serve the Java developer community? Let us know. I’m always excited about going to developer conferences because that's where I get to show developers the Java technology zone and hear about how we’re providing a benefit to you, the developer -- and how we can improve. But there's no need to track me down at the next Java conference. Simply send me an e-mail -- or submit your requests, ideas (or even better, your own Java tools, code, tutorials, tips, and other content) via the developerWorks idea form.
Chris Rumble
cjrumble@us.ibm.com
developerWorks Java zone
