Japple

Japple is an open-source Web application development environment that runs on Java capable Web application servers. Japple provides a means for application developers to build up and reuse individual objects (called Japple Managed Objects, or JMOs) that can be combined to create specific applications.

The Japple platform consists of four key applications: the Japple Server, Japple IDE, Japple Scheduler, and Japple Gatekeeper.

The Japple Server is the core engine of the tool, and provides the deployment logic for executing Japple applications on the Web application server. The Japple Server utilizes page definitions (created in the Japple IDE) which themselves define the groupings of individual objects (JMOs) that are needed for the finished application and for display of data and/or interaction with the end-user. The Japple Server executes Web applications from the compilation of four distinct component layers: Content and Data Access (both provided via individual JMOs managed via the Japple IDE), Services (such as E-Mail, FTP uploads, Credit Cards, or other server specific functions), and Security, allowing for user authentication.

The Japple IDE--itself a Japple application--provides an interface for the developer in which they can manage their collection of JMOs (JMOs are created independently using the user's preferred tools; the IDE manages their combinations into actual applications). Individual JMOs could be HTML templates, JSP template handlers, style sheets, JavaScripts, external classes, "views;" specialized templates defining the actual display of database data, or data access definitions including SQL statements, among other possibilities. A key feature made available to developers via the use of HTML and JSP template handlers is the ability to separate HTML code from Java code in an otherwise JSP-like deployment environment. Because Japple is able to convert the standard HTML template into a DOM document at runtime; it is able to interact with that document directly via the Java XML API; meaning that the core Java logic needn't be included directly within the HTML page. This Japple Template based development scheme allows for the creation and direct integration of HTML displays by non-Java users using the HTML development tool of their choice.

The Japple Scheduler allows for the background operation of processes; while the Japple Gatekeeper allows for the definition and authentication of individual users.

An additional key feature of the environment is its ability to be extended by defining new types of JMOs and creating new services based on provided abstract classes.

Japple is an open-source project and is available now. Visit the Japple Web site for further information.

product submission by DPW Staff

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