Re: Java developement tools

[Dave Duerr <dduerr@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

We have been developmenting in Java for a few months.  We originally
started with VisualAge V1, but soon 
switched to JBuilder 2.  JBuilder was more stable, had better features,
more intuitive, etc.  We also decided
not to use any of the Enterprise Access Builders stuff in VisualAge and
JBuilder/400.  They create a huge amount
of unmaintainable code. We create our own data access classes, which are
pretty straight forward using JDBC, 
through our own simple code generator.  Therefore, we went with JBuilder 2
instead of JBuilder/400.  With either 
tool you are still able to use the IBM supplied Java toolkit and
developer's kit for the AS/400.  We are using the JDBC 
drivers and printer file classes from them.  

One note, we are developing our application to run primarily on NT using
the AS/400 as a database server.  We have 
found that Java, even the "compiled" classes, run too slow on the AS/400.
Hopefully, that will change in the near 
future.  Eventually, we are hoping to port the bulk of the application to
run on the AS/400 with a thin client user interface.

A strong recommendation is to check out the Rational Rose 98 Java Edition,
especially if you are not experienced 
with OO design.  OO design is the biggest obstacle and learning curve in
moving to Java.  It has greatly enhanced our
entire development process.  Another reason with went with JBuilder 2 is
that it interfaced alot easier with Rose than
VisualAge.

Thanks,
Dave Duerr
Duerr Business Solutions  

At 01:54 PM 8/24/98 -0500, you wrote:
>We are currently looking at putting our order entry and inquiry
>applications on the internet.  We have just about decided that Java is
>the way to go.  My question is this:  Can anybody compare IBMs Visual
>Age for Java to Inprise'(Borland) JBuilder/400  it appears as if both of
>these products come with the tools to access AS/400 data.  But we cannot
>find any reviews comparing the two, other than one short article in
>Midrange Computing.  Any input will be appreciated.
>
> 
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