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Trail: JavaBeans(TM)
Lesson: JavaBeans Concepts and the Beans Development Kit

JavaBeans Concepts

The JavaBeans API makes it possible to write component software in the Java programming language. Components are self-contained, reusable software units that can be visually composed into composite components, applets, applications, and servlets using visual application builder tools. JavaBean components are known as Beans.

Components expose their features (for example, public methods and events) to builder tools for visual manipulation. A Bean's features are exposed because feature names adhere to specific design patterns. A "JavaBeans-enabled" builder tool can then examine the Bean's patterns, discern its features, and expose those features for visual manipulation. A builder tool maintains Beans in a palette or toolbox. You can select a Bean from the toolbox, drop it into a form, modify it's appearance and behavior, define its interaction with other Beans, and compose it and other Beans into an applet, application, or new Bean. All this can be done without writing a line of code.

The following list briefly describes key Bean concepts, and gives the chapter in the JavaBeans specification where you can read a complete description.

Although Beans are designed to be understood by builder tools, all key APIs, including support for events, properties, and persistence, have been designed to be easily read and understood by human programmers as well.


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