JavaBeans
JavaBeans is a reusable software component technology developed by Sun Microsystems for Java, introduced in 1996. Here are some key points about JavaBeans:
Overview
- JavaBeans components are classes that follow certain conventions for properties, events, and methods, making them reusable in different applications.
- These components can be manipulated visually in builder tools like Borland JBuilder or NetBeans, allowing developers to "drag and drop" functionality into their applications.
History
- The initial release of JavaBeans was in 1996, aligning with the broader push towards component-based software development.
- Its development was influenced by the component models like ActiveX from Microsoft and the need for a platform-independent component framework.
- JavaBeans became part of the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) as well as Java SE, expanding its use in enterprise-level applications.
Key Features
- Properties: Attributes of the bean that can be read or written. They are typically accessed via getter and setter methods.
- Events: JavaBeans can generate events, which other components can listen to and respond to, facilitating loose coupling in applications.
- Methods: Beans can provide public methods that other components or applications can use.
- Introspection: Allows a builder tool to analyze how a bean works, what properties it has, and how they can be manipulated.
- Customization: Beans can be customized through properties or visual editors provided by IDEs.
Usage Context
- JavaBeans are used in a variety of contexts:
- Graphical User Interface (GUI) components.
- Web components within JavaServer Faces (JSF).
- Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) for distributed business applications.
- As part of larger frameworks like Spring Framework for dependency injection.
Sources
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