Java SE Technical Articles


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Java SE Technical Articles

Feature stories, technical articles, interviews, and technical tips related to the Java Platform, Standard Edition.

2010 Articles

Java Applets, ASP.net - Can You Play Together? (February, 2010)

Java technology is secure, ubiquitous, and open. You can develop and deploy Java Rich Internet Applications that work seamlessly with ASP.net technology.

Get Your Java Store T-Shirt (January, 2010)

One of the popular apps in the Java Store beta nets you a limited edition t-shirt (U.S. only, sorry). Check it out

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2009 Articles

Get Tomorrow Today with NetBeans IDE 6.8 (December, 2009)

The first IDE to offer support for the Java EE 6 specification and GlassFish v3 now includes improved support for PHP, Project Kenai, Maven, and C/C++. Check out the release highlights

Closures for Java Technology (December, 2009)

Working with parallel arrays in Java, unfortunately, requires lots of boilerplate code to solve even simple problems. Closures can eliminate that boilerplate. It's time to add them to Java.

Monetize Your Desktop Apps (November, 2009)

Do you have a desktop application that you'd like to distribute via the Java Store? Convert a desktop application into a Java Web Start application. Download the source code

Java Garbage Collection, Monitoring and Tuning (November, 2009)

Sun's Carol McDonald blogs about her presentation on Java garbage collection, monitoring, and tuning. Read more

J2SE 5.0 Reaches EOSL (November, 2009)

J2SE 5.0 reached it End Of Service Life on October 30 and has been moved to the product archive. Learn more



 

NetBeans IDE 6.8 Beta Available for Download! (October, 2009)

The first IDE to offer support for the entire Java EE 6 spec! Highlights include improved support for PHP, Project Kenai, Maven, C/C++ and more. Download today!

Windows 7 Now Supported in Java SE 6 (October, 2009)

Microsoft's Windows 7, expected to release on October 22, 2009, is supported in Java SE 6 Update 16 and later. Download the latest update

Mixing Heavyweight and Lightweight Components (September, 2009)

This article describes how heavyweight and lightweight components can play well together, used in the same container, in your Swing application. Read More

Java Store and License Management (September, 2009)

Sun engineering director Octavian Tanase blogs provides sample code in his blog on how to use license management in your Java Store application. Learn more

Java Performance Tuning Workshop (September, 2009)

Attend Java Champion Kirk Pepperdine's 4-day expert-led workshop scheduled for September 29 - October 2, 2009 in New York City and get help solving your most challenging performance problems.

Java SE for Embedded 6u10 for Linux ARM v5, v6, and v7 (September, 2009)

Java SE for Embedded 6u10 EA is available for headless and headful configurations. Download the free evaluation today!

Garbage First (G1) Collector (August, 2009)

In this article, Sun engineer Eric Bruno explains this much anticipated JDK 7 feature. Learn more

Translucent and Shaped Windows (August, 2009)

This functionality is part of the public AWT package in JDK 7. Here's a sneak peek at the updated Swing tutorial.

Learn How to Submit Applications to the Java Warehouse (August, 2009)

In this screencast Bernard Traversat, Director of Java Store Engineering, shows how easy it is for developers to register for the Java Warehouse Developer Portal. (Some steps may have changed slightly since this screencast was recorded.)

Using NetBeans to Combine JAR Files Into a Single JAR File (July, 2009)

Learn how to concatenate your user and library classes into a single JAR file, so that you can upload your apps to the Java Warehouse.

New JDK 7 Feature: Support for Dynamically Typed Languages in the Java Virtual Machine (July, 2009)

Learn about the new support in JDK 7 that should help make dynamically typed languages run extremely fast in the JVM.

NetBeans IDE 6.7 Now Available (July, 2009)

NetBeans IDE 6.7 introduces integration with Project Kenai, and includes native Maven support, enhancements for Java, PHP, Groovy, C/C++, and more. Download today!

Stream Control Transport Protocol (SCTP) (June, 2009)

JDK 7 provides support for Stream Control Transport Protocol (SCTP) in Java and, in this article, Sun Engineer Chris Hegarty explains what that means.

Garbage First (G1) Garbage Collector (June, 2009)

This overview introduces the new JDK 7 G1 garbage collector in the Java HotSpot VM. A beta version is in the Java SE 6 update 14.

Secure Coding Guidelines for the Java Programming Language (June, 2009)

This white paper describes Version 2.0's recommended security-specific coding guidelines, including accessibility, extensibility, input/output parameters, classes, and serialization.

JDK CAP Program (June, 2009)

The Compatibility and Performance Program gives key developers early access to the newest JDK releases. Learn More.

Real-Time Java Programming With Java RTS (June, 2009)

This new boThis new book, which focuses on the Java RTS APIs, features working code examples and visual diagrams that make real-time concepts clear.ok, which focuses on the Java RTS APIs, features working code examples and visual diagrams that make real-time concepts clear.

Kerberos Programming on Windows (April, 2009)

This article talks about Kerberos programming (using the JGSS API) on Windows, especially in a Kerberos environment of Windows Active Directory (AD).

Two Products in One Bundle (April, 2009)

For your convenience, Sun has bundled Java SE 6 Update 13 and the JavaFX 1.1 SDK, each with its own license

Developing Applications With the Java SE Platform (April, 2009)

This course provides participants with practical experience, using JDK 6, in designing a vertical solution for a distributed, multi-tier application.

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2008 Articles

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2007 Articles

Book Review: JavaFX Script: Dynamic Java Scripting for Rich Internet/Client-Side Applications (December 2007)

Do you want to learn about JavaFX Script technology? This book is a quick and easy read for those who are already familiar with GUI programming in the Java platform.

NetBeans IDE 6.0! (December 2007)

NetBeans IDE 6.0 increases developer productivity with a smarter, faster editor, Ruby/JRuby/Ruby on Rails support, enhancements for improved Swing development, a new Visual Game Designer, updated Data Binding support, integrated Profiling and more.

Creating Extensible Applications With the Java Platform (December 2007)

This article shows you two ways to create applications that are extensible, allowing you to add functionality and enhancements to an application without making changes to its original code base.

Java SE 6 Performance White Paper (November 2007)

This overview of performance and scalability improvements in Java Platform, Standard Edition 6 (Java SE 6) provides benchmark results that demonstrate the impact of these improvements.

How to Handle Java Finalization's Memory-Retention Issues (November 2007)

Learn how to avoid memory-retention problems when working with third-party classes that use finalizers.

Socket Logging (November 2007)

Learn how to set up a logging handler and configure the server.

Learning Curve Journal, Part 3: JavaFX Script Functions and Operations (October 2007)

Part 3 of the Learning Curve Journals describes the differences between functions and operations in JavaFX Script.

Sun Advances Security for the Java SE Platform (September 2007)

Sun Microsystems, Inc., is announcing two new Java SE security response features, each designed to strengthen the Java platform's position as one of the most widely used, secure software platforms available.

How to Handle Java Finalization's Memory-Retention Issues (September 2007)

Learn how to avoid memory-retention problems when working with third-party classes that use finalizers.

Learning JavaFX Script, Part 2: Remote Communication Using RMI (August 2007)

Learn how to use RMI to effortlessly demonstrate and test client-server functionality with JavaFX Script technology.

Learning Curve, Part 1: Exploring JavaFX Script (August 2007)

This first in a series follows staff writer John O'Conner as he gets started with JavaFX Script. He goes through the steps, so you don't have to -- from downloading the latest JDK to accessing the plugins for the NetBeans or Eclipse IDEs.

Learning JavaFX Script, Part 1: An Introduction to JavaFX Script for Java Programmers (July 2007)

JavaFX Script is a highly productive scripting language that enables content developers to create rich media and content for deployment on Java environments. This article, aimed at traditional Java developers, is a brief but thorough introduction to Sun's exciting new technology.

Using the Swing Application Framework (JSR 296) (July 2007)

Learn to use the Swing Application Framework to manage life-cycle events, UI component event handling, threading, localizable resources, and simple persistence in your Java technology applications.

Technometria: What's New in Java (July 2007)

Listen to this interview with Chet Haase, covering various topics in the Desktop Java space from the Consumer JRE to media support to applets to JavaFX Script, and his upcoming book.

Using the Java Persistence API on the Desktop (June 2007)

Learn how the Java Persistence API allows you to use POJOs in desktop applications.

Top Java SE 6 Features (June 2007)

Software engineer Felipe Ortiz has been working with Java SE 6 for some time now, and he blogs on his view of its top features and biggest disappointments.

Java Technology Fundamentals (June 2007)

Learn about using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to plan your applications and understand others' applications.

Consumer JRE: Leaner, Meaner Java Technology (June 2007)

The Consumer JRE release will address several serious issues in deploying and running Java applications. Even better, you don't have to wait for the next major release of the JDK to get these features.

Sun Announces JavaFX Technology (May 2007)

JavaFX is a new family of products designed to simplify the creation and deployment of high-impact content for a wide range of devices, from desktop to mobile device to set-top box to Blu-ray Disc.

Drag-and-Drop Those GridbagLayout Frustrations (May 2007)

Remember the frustrations of the Swing GridbagLayout ( Play Video)? Instead, drag-and-drop with the NetBeans IDE.

JavaOne Online Technical Sessions (May 2007)

View the slides from the Java SE technical track at the JavaOne Conference 2007. Watch for multimedia to be added over the next month.

Java Sun staff briefly interviewed a motley crew during the JavaOne conference: (May 2007)

Virtual Flying Dukes a Success Again (May 2007)

This year's Virtual Flying Dukes JavaOne Developer Competition was a soaring success. See videos of the winning entries .

Shannon Hickey: JavaOne Rock Star (May 2007)

Learn more about Shannon Hickey and about this year's Extreme GUI Makeover session at the JavaOne Conference by viewing the interview on You Tube.

JDK 6 Adoption Guide (May 2007)

This document lists upgrade issues that may affect currently deployed applications, source code or app configurations, or development tools.

Java Application Platform SDK Update 3 Preview 2 (May 2007)

This early access release provides updates to the application server, Open ESB, and more. Read the overview and download it now.

Data Binding and the Swing Application Framework (April 2007)

In this demo, Roman Stroubl shows NetBeans 6 features in the area of Java Desktop applications, including improved support for the Swing application framework. View the demo

IDN Interviews Elliott on Java Platform (April 2007)

Jean Elliott, Java Software Product Marketing Senior Director, tells Integration Developer News about the exciting activity around the Java platform over the last year.

Video Blog on Top Java SE Sessions (April 2007)

Java Sun writer and programmer Robert Eckstein presents his Top 10 Java SE picks (from over 40 choices) for this year's conference in this video blog for Java Sun. View the video

Getting the Bugs Out: A Conversation With Bug Fixer Brian Harry (April 2007)

Renowned bug fixer Brian Harry offers tips about how to fix bugs and explores the intricacies of Swing code.

Virtual Flying Dukes Programming Competition (April 2007)

Create and animate a 3D avatar that catches a t-shirt launched from a virtual stage using jMonkeyEngine (jME). Prizes will be awarded to the first 50 contestants who correctly solve the problem, with larger prizes for the most creative, humorous, and realistic solutions. Read more

NetBeans IDE Sample Applications (April 2007)

Check out the top five new samples or browse the existing samples that show the NetBeans IDE technology at work.

Meet Peter von der Ahé, Tech Lead for Javac at Sun Microsystems (April 2007)

Peter von der Ahé, tech lead for javac, discusses the Kitchen Sink Language, the Java Compiler API, and new ways of thinking about generics, reification, and type inference for local variables.

Top 10 Desktop Destinations at the 2007 JavaOne Conference (April 2007)

With over 40 technical, birds-of-a-feather (BOF), and hands-on lab sessions devoted to desktop technologies at this year's JavaOne conference, choosing which ones to attend can be difficult. John O'Conner lists his top 10 picks.

Top 10 Destinations for New Java Technology Developers (April 2007)

Developers new to Java technology will find plenty to do at the 2007 JavaOne conference. Come learn about robotics, desktop, deployment, Ajax, and much more.

Swing User-Interface Methods (April 2007)

Learn from Sun IDE engineer Joshua Marinacci about the Swing PropertyChangeListener method, and from Scott Violet on the ActionListener method. Go to the Core Java Technologies Tech Tips

The Open Possibilities of the 2007 JavaOne Conference (April 2007)

Are you ready for the 2007 JavaOne conference, coming to San Francisco May 8 to 11? Kick off with Java University on May 7. Explore in-depth technical sessions and After Dark events.

MySpace.com Java Applet Debuts (April 2007)

MySpace.com has streamlined its support for uploading videos by creating a new Java applet that does the job. The applet was created in-house by the Content Delivery Network group, and has launched worldwide to rave reviews.

Read the Blog


 

NetBeans IDE 6.0 Preview: Improved GUI Builder (April 2007)

In this screencast, learn how easy it is to develop Java desktop applications with the improved GUI Builder in NetBeans IDE 6.0.

International Enhancements in Java SE (March 2007)

Java SE 6 provides developers with even more control over how they access and use locale-sensitive resources in their applications.

Writing Better Code: A Conversation With Brian Goetz (March 2007)

Sun technology evangelist Brian Goetz explains why writing dumb code is a smart idea and talks about Java SE performance.

SDN Wins a Jolt Award (March 2007)

The Sun Developer Network (SDN) won the 2007 Jolt Award for Best Website/Developer Network. Jolt calls SDN the #1 "indispensable site for developers."

Read about the 17th Annual Jolt Awards


 

NetBeans, Sun Java Wireless Toolkit Win Jolt Awards (March 2007)

And the Jolt Award goes to ... the NetBeans IDE for Development Environment! It was also among the Jolt Productivity winners in Collaboration Tools. In Mobile Development Tools, the NetBeans Mobility Pack and Sun Java Wireless Tookit combo was a Productivity winner.

Read more


 

Java SE Application Design With MVC (March 2007)

GUI programmers: Learn how to implement a common variation of the model-view-controller (MVC) design pattern using Java SE and the Swing toolkit.

The F3 Project (March 2007)

F3, a declarative Java scripting language, stands for Form Follows Function. Sun Microsystems engineer Christopher Oliver says, "I just wanted an easy way of creating GUI's," and plans to open-source it soon.

DTrace Probes in Java SE 6 (March 2007)

DevX.com tests and reviews DTrace and Java SE 6, noting how the dynamic duo provides "an unprecedented view across all layers of software that are involved in business applications."

Sun Web Developer Pack (March 2007)

Simplify development of your Web 2.0 applications with this all-in-one download.

Study Shows Java Code Safe (March 2007)

Fortify Software Inc. and FindBug set up a public website where developers could submit open-source code to check for security holes and bugs. Fortify has released the results, and it found Java code to be far freer of defects.

Read Computer Business Review Online


 

Java Application Platform SDK Update 3 Preview (March 2007)

This early access release adds the Sun Web Developer Pack and provides a new app server version, Sun Java System Application Server 9.1 Beta (based on GlassFish V2 Beta). Read the overview. And download it now.

The Java ME PIM API Introduction, Part 1 (March 2007)

The SDN Mobile Java site presents a six-part series on the Personal Information Management API (JSR 75). Java ME expert and JCP member Enrique Ortiz provides the definitive text on the PIM API.

New and Updated Desktop Features Part 1 and Part 2 (March 2007)

Read more about desktop features in JDK 6: table sorting and filtering, the new modality model, the Desktop API, splash screens, the system tray, LCD text, single-threaded rendering, and native look and feel.

Programming With the Java XML Digital Signature API (March 2007)

Get started with the Java XML Digital Signature API, and learn the basic steps in generating and validating an XML signature.

Corporate JRE Survey (February 2007)

Tell us your experience deploying and managing the Java Runtime Environment in your enterprise! Take 5 minutes to answer the Corporate JRE Survey.

Monitoring, Management, and Diagnosability Features (February 2007)

Sun Microsystems senior staff engineer Mandy Chung offers a handy table with an overview of Java SE's new and enhanced features in these areas.

Ask the Experts Transcript: Java Plug-In Technology (February 2007)

Will Java Plug-In applications running on IE7 in Vista be able to share data with Java Web Start? Get answers to this and other Java Plug-In Technology questions.

Visit the New Web Developer Resource Center (February 2007)

Your source for leading-edge technologies, proven standards-based software, and comprehensive service, support, and training offerings to help build out your Web 2.0 solutions.

HTTP Server API (February 2007)

Sun Microsystems engineer Michael McMahon blogs on the lightweight HTTP server API and SPI in Sun's implementation of JDK 6.

Configuring Java Apps to Use Solaris Security (February 2007)

Vincent Ryan, an engineer on the Java Security team at Sun, is the resident expert for this session on the System Administrator Portal. Send or view questions, and read the responses.

OpenSolaris OS (February 2007)

This new OpenSolaris-based distribution is an integrated environment for developing Solaris, Java, and AMP-based applications. Simplified installation, tuned for multiboot configuration.

Improve Application Performance With SwingWorker in Java SE 6 (February 2007)

Using the Image Search demo application, learn how the SwingWorker class can help you create and manage worker threads that improve your user interface performance.

Ask the Experts: Java Plug-In Technology (Feb. 12-16) (February 2007)

Ask the Experts: Got a question about Java Plug-In technology? Here's you chance to get answers from key members of the Java SE Deployment Team.

Managing Applications With Java SE 6: A Conversation With Vasanthan Dasan (February 2007)

Sun Distinguished Engineer Vasanthan Dasan discusses how Java SE 6 and Sun Developer Services provide enhanced management and monitoring capacities for mission-critical applications that make developers' jobs easier.

The Overlay Maker: Making the Most of Swing and Java2D (January 2007)

Alistair Dickie is an Australian Army Officer who wanted to draw on maps and ended up creating a networked interface for collaborative planning (real-time drawing updates across a network). Here's his first-hand account.

Ask the Experts: Open-Source Java Project (January 2007)

Community Marketing Managers for Sun's Java Platform implementations answer a variety of questions about Sun's open-source efforts.

Java Technologies for Web Applications (January 2007)

Learn about what Java technologies you can use to create web applications, when you might decide to use individual technologies, and where to go to get started, using JDK 5.0 with the Java EE platform.

FareCompare Ready to Soar With Migration to Java SE 6 (January 2007)

FareCompare.com is becoming known for providing updated airfare ticket prices faster than anyone else. The founders made a bet on Java technology that enables them to fly faster with each update of the platform and save consumers money.

Core Tech Tips: Java Web Start Persistence and JList Striping (January 2007)

Joshua Marinacci, NetBeans Engineer, describes how to use the persistence API in Java Web Start and how to add stripes to JList components. Join the Sun Developer Network to get these and other tips in your email inbox each month.

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2006 Articles

Java SE 6 Features (December 2006)

Read about Java SE 6's features on this page's links to engineers' blogs and one release note.

The JVM Tool Interface: How VM Agents Work (December 2006)

VM agents are a good way to assess what is happening inside the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Learn what VM agents are, what they can do, and how they work.

Time-Zone Changes (December 2006)

Java technology-based applications using time or time-zone functionality may need adjusting due to US Daylight Savings Time changes and Western Australia's Daylight Savings Time adoption. In addition, read the Sun Alert.

Getting Sun Certified on the Java Platform (December 2006)

Earning a Sun Java technology certification provides a clear demonstration of your technical skills and professional dedication. Learn more about certification.

Java SE 6 Is Available (December 2006)

Build more powerful applications, fuel innovation, and protect your investment using Java SE 6 and NetBeans 5.5 with a complete portfolio of supporting developer products and services from Sun.

NetBeans Visual Web Pack 5.5 and NetBeans C/C++ Development Pack 5.5 (December 2006)

The NetBeans community is proud to announce the release of the NetBeans Visual Web Pack and the NetBeans C/C++ Development Pack. Simply add these packs to an existing NetBeans IDE.

Book Review: Java 6 Platform Revealed (November 2006)

Read about the first book to detail features planned for the final release of the Java SE 6 platform: language and utility updates, the java.io.Console method, changes in AWT and JFC/Swing, new XML libraries, and more.

Create Great-Looking GUIs With NetBeans IDE 5.5 (November 2006)

The Free Design layout mode and GroupLayout manager in its GUI Builder help you create platform-independent designs for user interfaces. New features simplify internationalization and reuse of GUI components in Java SE 6 or earlier versions.

Sun Open Sources Java Platform Implementations (November 2006)

Sun is open sourcing its implementation of the Java platform as free software. Get involved! Visit the three new open-source Java communities that Sun is seeding and download the code: OpenJDK, Mobile & Embedded and the GlassFish community.

James Gosling on Open Sourcing Sun's Java Platform Implementations, Part 2 (November 2006)

James Gosling, often called the father of Java technology, shares his thoughts on open sourcing the Java SE and Java ME platform implementations. Part 1, Part 2

Introducing JAX-WS 2.0 With the Java SE 6 Platform, Part 2 (November 2006)

Learn how to create a Java technology-based client for the eBay production server. You'll use the Java API for XML Web Services (JAX-WS) tools in the Java SE 6 platform, as well as Web Services Definition Language (WSDL).

Step up the Java Technology Ladder: A Conversation With Jean Elliott (October 2006)

Jean Elliott, Sun's director of product marketing for the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE), discusses how to make optimal use of the platform and her views on open source.

Java Technologies in Desktop Applications (October 2006)

Which Java technologies and which packages do you need to create a desktop application? This introduction teaches you some of the basics and points you to resources for more information.

NetBeans.org Announces Releases (October 2006)

NetBeans.org has released NetBeans IDE 5.5 FCS, Mobility Pack FCS, Profiler Pack FCS, Enterprise Pack FCS, C/C++ Pack (Beta 3), and Visual Web Pack (Technology Preview).

Meet Scott Violet, Swing Toolkit Team Architect (October 2006)

Scott Violet discusses Java technology on the desktop, new developments in Swing, and the NetBeans IDE GUI Builder.

Creating Menus and Toolbars With the StarOffice API (October 2006)

Using a new API in the StarOffice 8 SDK in a Java environment, create new menus and toolbars, and make them persistent.

Leveraging Security in the Native Platform Using Java SE 6 Technology (October 2006)

The Java SE platform contains a large set of security APIs and tools. This article discusses important enhancements on native security integration using JDK 6.

Meet Shannon Hickey, Swing Toolkit Team (September 2006)

Shannon Hickey, technical lead for the Swing toolkit team at Sun Microsystems, explores his passion for drag and drop, his hopes for a compatibility API, and his creative process as a developer.

U.S. Daylight Saving Time Changes in 2007 (September 2006)

Daylight Savings Time changes in 2007 will affect Java applications in the United States. Updated Java Runtime Environments contain updated rules to report correct time.

Java 2D Trickery (September 2006)

In the latest issue of the Core Java Technologies Tech Tips, Chris Campbell, a Java 2D engineer at Sun Microsystems, shares his tips and tricks for creating soft clip, light, and shadow effects using 2D APIs.

Introducing JAX-WS 2.0 With the Java SE 6 Platform, Part 1 (September 2006)

The Java SE 6 platform now provides support for the Java API for XML Web Services (JAX-WS) 2.0 to help you build web applications and incorporate newer XML-based web services functionality.

Fundamentals Newletter (August 2006)

Read about the upcoming additions to the Java Technology Fundamentals newsletter. Then settle in to learn about Java Web Start software, concurrency, and garbage collection tuning.

String Length and Equality (August 2006)

This technical tip describes common problems and suggest solutions for determining both length and equality of String objects.

Monitoring and Managing Java SE 6 Platform Application (August 2006)

When an application runs slowly, is unresponsive, or hangs, the problem may be memory leaks, deadlocks, or difficulties with synchronization. Learn about the Java SE 6 platform's tools for diagnosing such problems.

Test Your JVM Software Version (August 2006)

This test page contains an applet that automatically tests for and displays information about your operating system and, if installed, the JVM software and JRE implementation release software versions.

Scripting for the Java Platform (July 2006)

With code examples and a demo application, this article shows how to create desktop Java platform applications that customers can modify and configure using the JavaScript programming language.

One Password to Rule Them All! (July 2006)

Alan Bateman explains how to configure the JMX agent to use LDAP instead of file-based authentication, using the LoginModule in Java SE 6.

Auto-Install: Easier Launching of Java Web Start Applications (July 2006)

Learn how a little code tweaking can seamlessly launch a Java application from the browser under a specified version of the JRE.

Using Headless Mode in the Java SE Platform (June 2006)

The Java SE platform contains headless mode capabilities -- a system configuration in which the display device, keyboard, or mouse is lacking. This program details how you can perform different operations in this mode, even with graphic data.

Java SE 6 Beta 2 Launches! (June 2006)

Download the Java SE 6 beta 2, and see if you like what it gives you.

What's New in Beta 2 (June 2006)

Sun Microsystems' Danny Coward and Mark Reinhold offer a quick take on the top 10 features in Java SE 6 Beta 2, as well as a list of approved features.

Creating a Sorted JList Component (June 2006)

This article's demo application uses the decorator design pattern to help you produce sorted lists. The pattern provides additional functionality to the ListModel object you already use and requires only minimal changes to your existing application code.

Demos Dazzle at the Roadmap Session (May 2006)

If you've attended past JavaOne conferences, you know a highlight is the Java Platform "Roadmaps" session. It's where Sun's top technical folks outline the key directions for the next releases of the Java platform.

Developing Swing Applications (May 2006)

Ben Galbraith -- co-founder of Ajaxian.com and presently a consultant specializing in enterprise architecture and Swing/Ajax development -- demonstrates eight ways to be more productive in developing Swing applications.

Technology Roundtable: AJAX, JavaScript, and Dynamic Web Experience (May 2006)

Sun Microsystems technology leaders talk about how the JavaScript technology and Java platform relationship has been reinvigorated with a new native JavaScript technology interpreter in Java SE 6, support for Ajax components in the Sun Java Studio Creator tool, and more.

Exciting Enhancements Coming for Desktop Java (May 2006)

Did you know that 87.5% of all PCs run Java technology, and over 65% of all Java technology-enabled PCs run the Java SE platform? More interesting factoids were revealed at the session on current and future directions of the Java Desktop APIs, given by Thorsten Laux, Chet Haase, Scott Violet, and Oleg Sukholdosky.

Top 10 Java SE Destinations (April 2006)

New ways to work with JFC/Swing technology, deployment strategies for Java platform applications, and updates from Effective Java author Joshua Bloch -- here are 10 must-see sessions for Java SE platform developers at the 2006 JavaOne Conference.

The Real-Time Specification for Java (RTSJ): A Conversation with Greg Bollella (April 2006)

Sun Microsystems Distinguished Engineer Greg Bollella explains why real-time doesn't mean real-fast, and slips a tip for the 2006 JavaOne Conference Slot Car Programming Challenge.

Applet Deployment Guide for Microsoft Internet Explorer (April 2006)

A recent Microsoft Internet Explorer update changes the behavior of active content in the browser. This guide describes how Java developers can use the Microsoft recommendations to minimize the impact.

Australian Time Zone Changes Affect Java Applications (March 2006)

As a result of time zone changes in Australia for this year, applications running on older Java Runtime Environments may report incorrect time between March 26 and April 2, 2006. This brief article describes the problem and how to fix it.

Using Java DB in Desktop Applications (March 2006)

Learn how to deploy Java DB, based on the Apache Derby database, within desktop Java applications. The article uses the Address Book demo to show you how to work with Java DB as an embedded database.

Understanding JDIC File-Type Associations (March 2006)

OS-specific tasks, JDIC's AssociationService, Association, and Action classes can now let you add or remove file-type associations in your Java technology applications.

Java Platform, Standard Edition 6 (Java SE 6) Beta Now Available (February 2006)

The much anticipated beta of Java SE 6 has been launched. Check out this release, the result of unprecedented levels of collaboration between Sun engineers, registered researchers, and the Java community.

Tech Tips: Design Patterns (February 2006)

Design patterns are general solutions to common problems in software design. Read this Tech Tips issue and learn about two of the more frequently-used patterns: Singleton and Observer.

Using the Desktop API in Java SE 6 (February 2006)

Learn about Java SE 6's new Desktop API, which allows Java applications to interact with the default applications associated with specific file types on the host platform.

More Enhancements in Java SE 6 (January 2006)

Learn about some often-requested features that will be a hit with Java SE 6 programmers: setting file and directory permissions, obtaining disk space, adding components to tabbed pane tabs, as well as the inclusion of the SwingWorker class.

The New Modality API in Java SE 6 (January 2006)

Learn how Java SE 6 allows greater functionality for dialog boxes, supporting modeless, document, application, and toolkit modality to ease the user's experience.

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2005 Articles

Variable Arity Methods (December 2005)

Variable arity methods, sometimes referred to as varargs methods, accept an arbitrary set of arguments. JDK 5.0 adds a varargs facility that's a lot more flexible than before. Learn more in this Tech Tip.

Migrating to Tiger: James Gosling and Mark Reinhold on Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition 5.0 (November 2005)

The father of Java technology and the chief engineer of the Java Platform, Standard Edition discuss J2SE 5.0, the twists and turns of JFC/Swing, autoboxing, enhanced for loops, and more.

Book Review: Swing Hacks: Tips and Tools for Building Killer GUIs (November 2005)

Learn about multiple tips and tricks to help you make your JFC/Swing components look better and work more efficiently, from creating transparent and animated windows to using audio and more.

Customize Your JList Display (November 2005)

JFC/Swing's JList and JComboBox are great components for displaying object lists, but they don't always display user-friendly text by default. This article shows you how to customize how objects are displayed in JList components.

New System Tray Functionality (November 2005)

The upcoming J2SE Java SE 6 release includes a new system tray API, which allows you to embed a small icon in the OS system tray, attach a popup menu, and listen for various mouse events. This article explains how to take advantage of the two new classes that represent the system tray functionality in Java SE 6.

Book Excerpt: Java Objects: From Concepts to Code (November 2005)

Chapter 6, "Collections of Objects," highlights the significant improvements in J2SE 5.0 to collections, which hold and organize references to other objects.

Java Technology and Robotics: A Conversation With Tommy Architect Paul J. Perrone (October 205)

Paul J. Perrone, chief architect of Tommy, an autonomous, unmanned Java technology-powered dune buggy that is set to compete in the semifinals of the DARPA Grand Challenge at the California Speedway, discusses the uses of Java software in robotics applications.

New Splash-Screen Functionality (September 2005)

A standard part of any GUI application, the splash screen lets the user know that the application is starting. Learn how Java SE 6 allows the application to show the splash screen even before the virtual machine starts.

Sun Microsystems Talks With Li Moore of Google September

Software engineer Li Moore discusses Google's switch to J2SE 5.0: "This release is purely an improvement, in terms of language features, libraries, stability, performance, and tools."

Internationalization: Understanding Locale in the Java Platform September

To be effective, an application should respect the user's language and geographic region. Learn how to use locale-sensitive objects to customize your Java technology application with the use of language, country, and variant codes.

XML Validation and XPath Evaluation in J2SE 5.0 September

J2SE 5.0 provides support for validating an XML document against a schema, as well as evaluation of XPath for selecting document nodes. This article shows how to make the most of javax.xml.validation and javax.xml.xpath libraries, and it provides simple tutorials on both XML schema and XPath.

Tech Tip: Learn about Locks (August 2005)

One of the popular features of the J2SE 5.0 libraries is the addition of concurrency utilities. Locking is one of the areas improved by the concurrency utilities. Learn more in this tech tip.

J2SE 5.0 Adoption (August 2005)

Thinking of migrating to J2SE 5.0 but just need a little more information? We have aggregated J2SE 5.0 articles, tips, features, white papers and more to help make the process that much easier.

Reasons to Migrate to J2SE 5.0 (Tiger) (August 2005)

The J2SE 1.4 platform was great, but J2SE 5.0 is even better. This article describes why developers should migrate to J2SE 5.0.

Getting Started With Java Data Objects (JDO): A Standard Mechanism for Persisting Plain Java Technology Objects (August 2005)

The Java Data Objects API provides a standard approach for achieving object persistence in Java technology by using a combination of XML metadata and bytecode enhancement. This tutorial covers the essentials.

Update: Desktop Java Features (July 2005)

The desktop client group describes highlights of the upcoming release of Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE, formerly known as J2SE). Learn more about the current status of features and bug fixes for Swing, 2D, AWT, internationalization, and deployment.

Learning Java 2D Part I (June 2005)

The easy-to-use Java 2D API can help you create some stunningly high-quality graphics. This article, part 1 of 3, helps you become familiar with shapes, lines, and the Java 2D rendering pipeline.

Core Java Technology Features (June 2005)

The JDK Core Engineering Team provides details of some important core features coming in Java SE 6.

Using Assertions in Java Technology (June 2005)

Use the assertions facility in the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE) to debug code early in the development process.

Timing is Everything (May 2005)

Any time you introduce dynamic effects, animations, or time-based events to a Java application, you find yourself re-implementing the same functionality you have written for every application that required timing or animation. This article considers the current situation and what is needed in a timing framework.

How to Contribute Code to Java SE 6 (April 2005)

As part of the development process for Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE 6), we are accepting external source code contributions for both bug fixes and features. Here's what's going on and how you can contribute!

J2SE 5.0 Performance White Paper (March 2005)

Learn about the latest performance improvements in J2SE 5.0.

Using Annotations to add Validity Constraints to JavaBeans Properties (March 2005)

This article shows how you can use the new Annotations feature of J2SE 5.0 to add constraints like minimum and maximum length, regular expressions, and more to your JavaBean properties.

Migrating from Eclipse 3.0 to Sun Java Studio Enterprise 7 (pdf) (March 2005)

Use this guide to quickly and easily migrate from Eclipse to Sun Java Studio Enterprise.

Chat Transcript Available: Getting High Performance from Your Desktop Client (March 2005)

On February 15, 2005, Scott Violet and Chet Haase hosted an online chat on desktop performance. Topics included SwingWorker, Longhorn, grey rectangles and more.

VolatileBufferedToolkitImage Strategies (February 2005)

Ever wondered what kind of image to use in your application? Or what method to use in creating it? This article attempts to address this challenging topic.

J2SE Platform Migration Guide (pdf)

This guide helps developers migrate Java applets, standalone applications, Java Web Start applications and development tools from version 1.3 and 1.4 of the Java platform to version 5.0.

Five Reasons to Move to the J2SE 5 Platform (January 2005)

Five important reasons to move to the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE platform) 5.0, supported by data and references to prove that the 5.0 release will reduce development and runtime.

Tech Tip: Using the Varargs Language Feature (January 2005)

Have you ever needed to pass in many instances of the same object type to a method, but you don't know at compile time how many instances there will be? Find out how the new varargs language feature makes it easy to handle situations like this.

Do you know which Java Runtime Environment your system is running? (January 2005)

Find out and hear a message from James Gosling!

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