Developing database applications
This manual provides information on using JBuilder's DataExpress database functionality to develop database applications. It also explains the interrelationships between the main JBCL UI and data components and classes, and how to use them to create your database application.
Basic features that are commonly included in a database application are explained by example so you can learn by doing. Conceptual information is provided, followed with examples as applicable, with cross-references to more detailed information wherever possible.
Note: All versions of JBuilder provide direct access to SQL data through the JavaSoft JDBC API. Some versions of JBuilder provide additional DataExpress components (on the Data Access tab of the Component Palette) that greatly simplify RAD visual development of database applications, as described in this book. Refer to the JBuilder product page from the Borland Web site at http://www.borland.com for availability of features in each JBuilder version.
This manual consists of the following chapters:
- Getting started with database applications defines the database application and explores JBuilder DataExpress database concepts through a first-look tutorial.
- Installing and setting up includes the setup required to step through and run the sample applications referenced in this manual. This includes JBuilder setup for access of data through JDBC(tm), JBuilder sample files, and the Local InterBase Server.
- JBuilder data concepts introduces the DataExpress architecture, describes JBuilder's set-oriented approach to handling data, and provides an overview of the main data components in the JBCL.
- Accessing data describes how to create a local copy of the data from your data source, and which JBCL data components to use. All applications which access data need to implement this phase (called providing) so that the data is available to your application.
- Common database application tasks describes features that are often included in database applications, and how you can add them to yours. This includes ready-to-use features through JBCL data-aware controls as well as programming tasks.
- Saving changes back to your data source describes how to save the data updates made by your JBuilder application back to the data source (a process called resolving). This chapter includes tutorials on exporting data to a text file.
- Sample database application This chapter consists of a complete sample database application that ties in individual features described in greater detail in the previous chapters. Run this application to see various JBCL database features in action.
- Handling errors and exceptions explains default JBuilder error handling behavior and how to change the default behavior to best suit your application's needs.