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Preface
Introducing JClass DataSource
Assumptions
Overview of the Manual
Contacting Quest Software
Introducing JClass DataSource
JClass DataSource includes a number of data-bound components of its own and is designed to be used with a wide class of GUI components to manage the display of master-detail relational data. JClass DataSource provides enhanced Java components that add data binding to their equivalent AWT and Swing components. JClass DataSource may be used in conjunction with any data-bound component, such as Quest's JClass LiveTable and JClass Field, and it can be tied to a grid or multiple tables to display hierarchical data.
All JClass DataSource components are written entirely in Java; so as long as the Java implementation for a particular platform works, JClass DataSource will work. You can freely distribute Java applets and applications containing JClass components according to the terms of the License Agreement that appears at install time.
Feature Overview
JClass DataSource is composed of JavaBeans that facilitate the presentation of data extracted from a database or elsewhere in a hierarchical, or master-detail, form. Their full-featured customizers can be used in IDEs to quickly develop a data retrieval application. The default behavior exhibits a highly interactive interface that allows end-users to perform all the common data operations without extensive coding. Moreover, for those whose application may demand more in-depth programming, the products' APIs contain a number of helper methods designed to make common tasks easy to accomplish.
You can set the properties of JClass DataSource components to determine how your data entry elements will look and behave. You can:
- Modify the number and arrangement of hierarchical levels. Customizers allow you to add or remove tables, fields, and joins as your project matures and your needs change.
- Include columns whose contents are computed from existing fields and, if necessary, other generated fields.
- Present fields that contain various database types, including pictures.
- Include header and footer columns which can contain aggregate information. For instance, a footer column may display the total amount of a number of purchase orders where each row in a table has a field containing the individual amount for that order.
- Use JClass Field components in cells to validate data entry operations.
JClass DataSource also provides several methods which:
- Simplify connecting to a database, and allow you to build database applications more quickly using JDBC-ODBC bridge drivers or native-protocol all-Java drivers.
- Support transaction management.
- Permit you to control the appearance of the graphical user interface components as well as controlling the type of operation the end-user is permitted to perform on the records.
Assumptions
This manual assumes that you have some experience with the Java programming language. You should have a basic understanding of object-oriented programming and Java programming concepts such as classes, methods, and packages before proceeding with this manual. See Related Documents later in this section of the manual for additional sources of Java-related information.
Typographical Conventions in this Manual
Overview of the Manual
Part I -Using JClass DataSource - describes how to use the JClass DataSource programming components.
Chapter 1, Using JClass DataSource presents a general overview of JClass DataSource's general structure and use.
Chapter 2, JClass DataSource Overview provides additional information on using JClass DataSource.
Chapter 3, The Data Model describes how a connection to a database is established.
Chapter 4, The JClass DataSource Beans discusses JClass DataSource's Bean properties and shows how to use the custom property editor.
Chapter 5, DataSource's Data Bound Components presents the suite of data bound components that accompany the product.
Chapter 6, Sample Programs illustrates some selected techniques for accessing data sources and displaying them in hierarchical grids.
Part II - Reference Appendices - contains detailed technical reference information.
Appendix A, Bean Properties Reference, contains tables listing the property names, return types, and default values for JClass DataSource's JavaBeans.
Appendix B, Distributing Applets and Applications, illustrates how to use JClass JarMaster to help you combine only those JClass JARs that are required for deploying your application.
API Reference
The API reference documentation (Javadoc) is installed automatically when you install JClass DataSource and is found in the JCLASS_HOME/docs/api/ directory.
Licensing
In order to use JClass DataSource, you need a valid license. Complete details about licensing are outlined in the JClass DesktopViews Installation Guide, which is automatically installed when you install JClass DataSource.
Related Documents
The following is a sample of useful references to Java and JavaBeans programming:
- "Java Platform Documentation" at http://java.sun.com/docs/index.html and the "Java Tutorial" at http://www.java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/index.html from Sun Microsystems
- For an introduction to creating enhanced user interfaces, see "Creating a GUI with JFC/Swing" at http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/uiswing/index.html
- Java in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition from O'Reilly & Associates Inc. See the O'Reilly Java Resource Center at http://java.oreilly.com.
- Resources for using Java Beans are at http://www.java.sun.com/beans/resources.html
These documents are not required to develop applications using JClass DataSource, but they can provide useful background information on various aspects of the Java programming language.
About Quest
Quest Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: QSFT) is a leading provider of application management solutions. Quest provides customers with Application Confidencesm by delivering reliable software products to develop, deploy, manage and maintain enterprise applications without expensive downtime or business interruption. Targeting high availability, monitoring, database management and Microsoft infrastructure management, Quest products increase the performance and uptime of business-critical applications and enable IT professionals to achieve more with fewer resources. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Quest Software has offices around the globe and more than 18,000 global customers, including 75% of the Fortune 500. For more information on Quest Software, visit www.quest.com.
Contacting Quest Software
Please refer to our Web site for regional and international office information.
Customer Support
Quest Software's world-class support team is dedicated to ensuring successful product installation and use for all Quest Software solutions.
You can use SupportLink to do the following:
- Create, update, or view support requests
- Search the knowledge base, a searchable collection of information including program samples and problem/resolution documents
- Access FAQs
- Download patches
- Access product documentation, API reference, and demos and examples
Please note that many of the initial questions you may have will concern basic installation or configuration issues. Consult this product's readme file and the JClass DesktopViews Installation Guide (available in HTML and PDF formats) for help with these types of problems.
To Contact JClass Support
Any request for support must include your JClass product serial number. Supplying the following information will help us serve you better:
- Your name, email address, telephone number, company name, and country
- The product name, version and serial number
- The JDK (and IDE, if applicable) that you are using
- The type and version of the operating system you are using
- Your development environment and its version
- A full description of the problem, including any error messages and the steps required to duplicate it
JClass Direct Technical Support
JClass Support Email
Telephone
Fax
European Customers
Contact Information
Product Feedback and Announcements
We are interested in hearing about how you use JClass DataSource, any problems you encounter, or any additional features you would find helpful. The majority of enhancements to JClass products are the result of customer requests.
Please send your comments to:
Quest Software
8001 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
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