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VisualAge makes developing Java apps easy
Get the scoop on version 3.5 of IBM's VisualAge for Java, Enterprise Edition.
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IBM has also added a high-performance modular XML parser written exclusively in Java. The provides users with all the classes necessary for parsing, generating, manipulating, and validating XML documents and also makes it relatively easy to give virtually any application the capability of reading and writing data that previously collected dust in Legacy Land.
In with the old and the new
Another big advantage of switching to VisualAge is that it doesn't necessarily mean you have to lose current investments in other development tools. Many companies have already established source-code management systems, such as Platinum's CCC/Harvest or Microsoft's Source Safe, and we are happy to report that this version of VisualAge for Java offers you a choice as to whether or not to keep those systems in place.
Those who choose to use IBM's code management environment will be rewarded with a robust, scalable team environment that allows multiple developers to work in multiple releases of multiple projects simultaneously. Powerful merge capabilities are also included, allowing developers to migrate code changes into a common supported base. The savings in both time and cost from such features makes settling on VisualAge an easy, if not obvious choice.
Furthermore, we found this latest release also boasts substantially improved interoperability with other tools, such as Rational Software's Rose and IBM's own WebSphere Studio, ensuring that current investments in tools and skills can be maintained.
Also shipped with VisualAge is IBM's source management system, called TeamServer, and the Distributed Debugger, which is geared toward enabling the remote execution and troubleshooting capabilities on distributed systems.
A fully functional version of the IBM WebSphere application server, which runs entirely within the IDE (integrated development environment) has also been included, making testing and debugging applications for this environment much simpler. Users should note that a minimum of 256 MB of memory is recommended if you plan on running both the IDE and WebSphere.
And, from the important but often-overlooked realm of documentation, IBM has again set the standard by offering comprehensive and well-written documentation in both online and printable PDF formats.
Lastly, we were unable to test the connectivity to legacy backend systems, but IBM touts this release as being capable of quickly transforming existing applications into e-business applications through advanced connectivity to backend databases, applications, and transaction servers, thereby offering businesses a competitive edge.
In short, we felt IBM's VisualAge for Java, Enterprise Edition, version 3.5 again proved its prowess, earning it a score of Excellent. Not only did it show its capabilities for increasing productivity via the intuitive interface and excellent use of wizards, it also boasted incredible integration opportunities with both IBM and non-IBM software titles.
With that said, companies already under way or just starting out would do well to include this IBM solution in their equation. Not only will it speed up development efforts, it will also make developers more productive.
About the author
Tim Fielden is a senior analyst with the InfoWorld Test Center.- Feedback
Resources
- For JavaWorld's other product reviews, see our Product Review section of the Topical Index
http://www.javaworld.com/javaworld/topicalindex/jw-ti-productreviews.html - IBM's VisualAge for Java product page
http://www.ibm.com/software/ad/vajava
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