Java development tools are available for every stage of software development, including profiling running applications, creating UIs, and debugging programs. IDEs add convenient features, and the open source language allows easy access to key implementations. Emulators simulate runtime environments, and JNLP simplifies deployment and maintenance.
A variety of Java® development tools are available for nearly every stage of software development, from implementation to deployment. These tools can fully profile running applications, disassemble compiled classes, and even create special links to libraries written in languages other than Java®. Integrated development environments (IDEs) implement many of these tools and add other convenient features that can make programming and debugging easier than using a command line. The variety and volume of Java® developer tools is a result of the open source language, which allows developers easy access to the inner workings of key implementations when building the tools.
Most of the tools available are useful during the implementation phase of development. Some available tools can examine the execution of a program and isolate the areas of the source code where the majority of processing time is spent. They’re also able to find unused blocks of code that aren’t reachable from the main program. Special Java® development tools have been written that can show the state of memory in real time as it evolves during execution.
There are standalone tools that can be used to build an entire user interface by simply dragging and dropping pre-made components. Components don’t even have to be strictly visual, but can instead be control classes. This type of rapid application development allows programmers to create small, customizable elements that can easily be reused over and over again, providing consistent functionality.
Java® IDEs are very effective tools for debugging programs. In addition to being able to seamlessly treat the source code for core Java® libraries as if it were part of the current project, IDEs can also provide detailed stack analysis and class browsing capabilities. IDEs can use additional tools that enable revision tracking and file versioning so that unwanted changes can be removed and source files restored to a functional state.
There are also a variety of system emulators available. These Java® development tools can simulate the runtime environment of a mobile device, a specific operating system or a web browser. Emulators allow development on a desktop system without the need to constantly transfer programs to the actual target device for testing.
Deployment can be simplified using the Java® Network Launch Protocol (JNLP). This allows you to fully install and deploy a program on a host system over a network connection. Future program maintenance can be aided with JNLP by providing a framework for automatic program updates.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
