VisualAge for Java Glossary

A

Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT)
As defined by Sun Microsystems, a collection of GUI components that were implemented using native-platform versions of the components. These components provide that subset of functionality which is common to all native platforms. Largely supplanted by the Project Swing component set. Contrast with Swing.
AccessApp
In Data Access Builder, a class generated for each schema mapping. The AccessApp is an executable program that provides access to the database using the other classes generated for the mapping.
access beans
In the EJB Development Environment, access beans are wrappers for enterprise beans and are typically used by client programs, such as JSP files and servlets. Access beans hide the complexity associated with home and remote interfaces.
Access Builder for SAP R/3
A VisualAge for Java tool for developing Java beans, Java applications, or Java applets that access SAP business objects. The Access Builder for SAP R/3 consists of R/3 Access Classes, Business Object Repository Access Classes, Logon Java beans, and the Access Builder tool.  It also includes a connector for SAP R/3.
Access Builders
VisualAge for Java tools for developing applications that access enterprise servers, data, and programs outside your Java programs. Access Builders generate beans that you can use in the Visual Composition Editor to connect to your user interfaces. VisualAge for Java, Enterprise Edition provides the following Access Builders: the Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions, the Data Access Builder, the RMI Access Builder, the C++ Access Builder, the Domino Access Builder and the Access Builder for SAP R/3.
administrator
See repository administrator.
agent
In Domino, a stand-alone program that performs a specific task in a database.
applet
A Java program designed to run within a Web browser. Contrast with application.
application
In Java programming, a self-contained, stand-alone Java program that includes a static main method. It does not require an applet viewer. Contrast with applet.
association
In the EJB Development Environment, a relationship that exists between two container-managed persistence (CMP) entity beans. There are two types of association: one-to-one and one-to-many.
attribute
In Data Access Builder, the aspect of a schema mapping that represents a column in a database table.
AWT
See Abstract Window Toolkit.

B

baseline
The common set of package and class editions upon which a development team builds an application. Package and class owners release their editions to update the team baseline; developers replace the editions in their workspaces to synchronize with the team baseline. Baselines typically signify a point of progress.
bean
A definition or instance of a JavaBeans component. See JavaBeans.
bean-managed persistence (BMP) entity bean
In the EJB Development Environment, an entity bean that manages its own persistence. Contrast with container-managed persistence (CMP) entity bean.
BeanInfo
(1) A Java class that provides explicit information about the properties, events, and methods of a bean class. (2) In the VisualAge for Java IDE, a page in the class browser that provides bean information.
beans palette
In the Visual Composition Editor, a resizable pane that contains prefabricated beans that you can select and manipulate to create programs. The default set of beans generally represents JDK AWT components.
BO Proxy Beans
The proxy classes to SAP business objects generated with the Access Builder for SAP R/3. When generating the BO Proxy Beans, the Access Builder for SAP R/3 also generates proxy classes that map the used tables, structures, and container classes for method parameters. The term BO Proxy Classes is sometimes used to describe all proxy classes generated by the Access Builder for a given SAP business object.
BOR
See Business Object Repository.
BOR Access Classes
Classes that retrieve information from the Business Object Repository (BOR). The BOR contains all information on SAP business objects, such as attributes, methods, and events. The Access Builder uses the BOR Access Classes to retrieve the information required to generate BO Proxy Classes. The generated proxy classes do not depend on the BOR Access Classes, only on the R/3 Access Classes.
breakpoint
A point set in the code that determines where execution of the code will stop and a debugger will be invoked.
browser
(1) An Internet-based tool for browsing Web sites. (2) In VisualAge for Java, a window that provides information on program elements. There are browsers for projects, packages, classes, methods, and interfaces.
Business Application Programming Interface (BAPI)
Methods that SAP business objects use for such tasks as creating and changing a "customer order" from inside or outside R/3, for example through Internet applications.
business object
(1) In the Access Builder for SAP R/3, an object that represents a business function. Business objects contain attributes that define the state of the object, and methods that define the behavior of the object. A business object also has relationships with other business objects. Business objects can be used in combination to perform a desired task. Typical examples of business objects are Customer, Invoice, or Account. (2)  In Persistence Builder, it is an object in your problem domain that you wish to save in a datastore. Contrast with EAB business object.
Business Object Repository (BOR)
A representation of the business data, transactions, and events within the R/3 system as an integrated set of SAP business objects. The BOR manages these objects, which are related to each other in object models. The BOR anticipates future requirements for R/3 systems architecture and integration. It also provides the basis for embracing distributed object standards, such as COM/DCOM and CORBA.
bytecode
Machine-independent code generated by the Java compiler and executed by the Java interpreter.

C

C++ Access Builder
A VisualAge for Java Enterprise tool that generates beans and C++ wrappers that let your Java programs access C++ DLLs.
C++ header file
A text file that is used by a group of functions, programs, or users. It can contain system-defined control information or user data, and generally consists of declarations.
CICS Client
A program that processes CICS ECI calls on the workstation and forwards transaction requests to a CICS program that runs on a server.
CICS ECI
An API that provides C and C++ programs with procedural access to transactions.
CICS Gateway for Java
A server program that processes Java ECI calls and forwards CICS ECI calls to the CICS Client.
class
An encapsulated collection of data and methods to operate on the data. A class may be instantiated to produce an object that is an instance of the class.
class hierarchy
The relationships between classes that share a single inheritance. All Java classes inherit from the Object class.
class owner
In team programming, the member of the development team who is responsible for the quality of a particular class or interface. Only the owner can release the class or interface into its containing package.
class path
When running a program in VisualAge for Java, a list of directories and JAR files that contain resource files or Java classes that a program can load dynamically at run time. A program's class path is set in its Properties notebook.
CLASSPATH
In your deployment environment, the environment variable keyword that specifies the directories in which to look for class and resource files.
client
A networked computer in which the IDE is connected to a repository on a team server.
client-side server proxy
In the RMI Access Builder, a local representative of a remote server bean. The client-side server proxy works together with a server-side server proxy bean to establish client/server communications. See server-side server proxy.
clone window
An identical instance of the current window.
CMP
An acronym for container-managed persistence. See container-managed persistence (CMP) entity bean.
Command
See EAB Command.
COMMAREA
See communications area.
commit
The operation that ends a unit of work and updates the database so that other processes can access any changes made.
Common Connector Framework
In the Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions, interface and class definitions that provide a consistent means of interacting with enterprise resources (for example, CICS and Encina transactions) from any Java execution environment.
Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA)
A vendor-independent specification that defines how objects interoperate over a network.
Common RFC Interface for Java
A set of Java interfaces and classes that defines a middleware-independent layer to access SAP R/3 systems from Java. If applications are built on top of this interface, they can leverage different middleware at run time without recoding. The generated beans are based on this interface and provide the same flexibility.
communication
In the Common Connector Framework, the interface definition and its implementation of by the various connectors. It provides the common way of communicating with a host system.
communications area (COMMAREA)
In a CICS transaction program, a group of records that describes both the format and volume of data used.
compilation context
The class you choose to contain a Java code fragment when you compile and run it in the Scrapbook.
Component Broker
An IBM enterprise solution for distributed object computing that provides client applications with a consolidated interface to server resources across applications, platforms, and languages. Consists of an application development environment and a runtime environment for building, executing, and managing applications across heterogeneous distributed computing environments. Implements the Object Management Group's Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), and supports Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs).
component model
An architecture and an API that allows developers to define reusable segments of code that can be combined to create a program. VisualAge for Java uses the JavaBeans component model.
composite bean
A bean that can contain both visual and nonvisual components. A composite bean is composed of embedded beans.
configuration
In Visual Age for Java, the combinat ion of package or class editions that make up a particular edition of a project or package, respectively. Project and package configurations are updated when a package or class is created, released, or deleted.
connection
In the Visual Composition Editor, a visual link between two components that represents the relationship between the components. Each connection has a source, a target, and other properties.
connection specification
The interface definition in the Common Connector Framework, and the implementation of the interface by the various connectors. A concrete connection specification lets you specify all properties to create a specific communication. It allows you to create a new communication configured with properties that allow the communication to connect to a specific host system.
connector
In the Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions, a specific implementation of the Common Connector Framework that wraps the client/server APIs of various resource managers in a way that both provides a consistent programming interface, and supports product-specific capabilities and host-system control.
connector Run-Time Context
In the Common Connector Framework, a set of interfaces and classes that allows a connector implementation to abstract from the concrete environment that it is running in. A concrete implementation is provided for a fat Java application scenario. Specific infrastructures that want to make use of the connectors have to provide their own specific implementation.
Console
In VisualAge for Java, the window that acts as the standard input (System.in) and standard output (System.out) device for programs running in the VisualAge for Java environment.
constructor
A method called to set up a new instance of a class.
container
(1) A component that can hold other components. In Java, examples of containers include applets, frames, and dialogs. In the Visual Composition Editor, containers can be graphically represented and generated. (2) An EJB run-time environment that manages one or more enterprise beans. Containers manage the life cycles of EJB objects, coordinate distributed transactions, and implement object security. They run on an EJB server.
container-managed persistence (CMP) entity bean
In the EJB Development Environment, an entity bean that delegates its persistence to its container. Contrast with bean-managed persistence (BMP) entity bean.
control descriptor
A control descriptor is a special class (javax.ejb.deployment.ControlDescriptor) that defines the database isolation levels and other constant values for each method in an enterprise bean that is used by the deployment descriptor.
cookie
(1) A block of data that a Web server stores on a client system. A copy of the cookie is sent back to the server when a user returns to the same Web site. Cookies are used for a variety of administrative purposes. (2) In VisualAge for Java, persistent data stored by the client in the Servlet Builder.
cooperative debugger
The debugger used when debugging programs developed for the AS/400 system.
CORBA
See Common Object Request Broker Architecture.
cursor
A database control structure used by the Data Access Builder to point to a specific row within some ordered set of rows and to retrieve rows from a set, possibly making updates or deletions.

D

Data Access beans
Beans provided with VisualAge for Java, for developing programs that access relational databases. The Select bean is a nonvisual bean that queries a relational database. The DBNavigator bean is a visual bean that provides a set of buttons that execute the SQL statement for the associated Select bean. See also Data Access Builder.
Data Access Builder
A VisualAge for Java tool that generates beans that access and manipulate the content of JDBC/ODBC-compliant relational databases. These beans perform operations beyond the scope of the Data Access beans.
debuggee
The program or module being debugged.
debugger
A component that assists in analyzing and correcting coding errors.
default package
In the Integrated Development Environment, the package in a project that has no user-defined name. There can only be one default package in a project. For example, imported class files that do not specify a package are placed in the default package.
deployment
In the EJB Development Environment, the act of generating EJB deployed classes for a specific container.
deployment descriptor
In the EJB Development Environment, a special class that is serialized and that contains run-time settings for an enterprise bean.
developer
In team development, the person who created an edition of a class or interface. Only the developer can version the class or interface.
DLL
See dynamic link library.
Domino
Software from Lotus Development Corporation, used for developing interactive applications that run on Web servers.
Domino Access Builder
A VisualAge for Java tool that that allows you to create Java applications that access databases and services located on a Domino server or on a Notes client. Domino Access Builder provides generic beans, based on the Domino Java classes from Lotus, plus a SmartGuide to create user-defined beans.
Domino AgentRunner
A VisualAge for Java tool that enables Domino developers to debug agent code within VisualAge for Java. The Domino AgentRunner provides the IDE with a previously saved agent context and a main entry point.
Domino Java class library
A class library provided with the Domino or Lotus Notes program products. The Domino Access Builder uses this library to access Domino databases.
dynamic link library (DLL)
A file containing executable code and data bound to a program at load time or run time, rather than during linking. The code and data in a dynamic link library can be shared by several applications simultaneously. The C++ Access Builder generates beans and C++ wrappers that let your Java programs access C++ DLLs. Enterprise Toolkits also generate platform-specific DLLs for the workstation and OS/390 platforms.
dynamic record type
In the Enterprise Access Builder, a one-dimensional representation of the data structure of user-defined parts of a host application. A dynamic record type can be generated by one of the Create RecordType SmartGuides (for example, the Create COBOL RecordType SmartGuide) or can be hand-coded. Dynamic record types can be modified in the Record Editor.

E

EAB
See Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions.
edition
A specific "cut" of a program element. VisualAge for Java supports multiple editions of program elements. See open edition, versioned edition, and scratch edition.
EAB Business Object
In the Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions, a class containing a key property. Contrast with business object.
EAB Command
In the Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions, represents a single interaction with a host system. An EAB Command is composed of the connection specification, interaction specification, and input and output records.
EIS
See Enterprise Information System.
EJB
See Enterprise JavaBeans.
EJB Development Environment
In VisualAge for Java, a specialized development environment that you can use to develop, deploy, and test enterprise beans.
EJB group
In the EJB Development Environment, a logical group used to organize enterprise beans.
EJB server
A high-level process or application that provides a run-time environment to support the execution of server applications that use enterprise beans. An EJB server provides a Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI)-accessible naming service, manages and coordinates the allocation of resources to client applications, and provides a transaction service.
embedded bean
A bean dropped into another bean in the Visual Composition Editor. The embedded bean can be a single component or a composite bean.
EMSRV repository server
See repository server.
EMSRV user
In the team environment, the operating system account under whose privileges the repository server program runs.
EMSRV working directory
In the team environment, a team server default directory used by the repository server to locate shared repositories and to write its log.
Enterprise Access Builder (EAB)
See Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions.
Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions (EAB)
A set of frameworks and tools for creating Java applications that access existing host applications and data, for example using CICS, IMS, MQSeries, SAP or Encina.
Enterprise bean
A nonvisual object that conforms to the Enterprise JavaBeans architecture. Enterprise beans are deployed in an EJB container and run on an EJB server. There are two types of enterprise beans: session beans and entity beans.
Enterprise Information System (EIS)
A host application or host system.
Enterprise JavaBeans
A distributed component architecture defined by Sun Microsystems.
Enterprise Toolkit
A set of VisualAge for Java Enterprise tools that enable you to develop Java code that is targeted to specific platforms, such as AS/400, OS/390, OS/2, AIX, and Windows.
Enterprise Toolkit for AS/400
VisualAge for Java tools that target Java applications for execution on AS/400.
Enterprise Toolkit for OS/390
VisualAge for Java tools that target Java applications for execution on OS/390.
Enterprise Toolkit for Workstations
VisualAge for Java tools that target Java applications for execution on OS/2, Windows NT, or AIX.
entity bean
An enterprise bean that contains data which can be preserved in a persistent data store, such as a database. Contrast with session bean. There are two types of entity beans: container-managed persistence (CMP) entity beans and bean-managed persistence (BMP) entity beans.
ET/390
See Enterprise Toolkit for OS/390.
ET/400
See Enterprise Toolkit for AS/400.
ET/Workstation
See Enterprise Toolkit for Workstations.
event
An action by a user, program, or system that may trigger specific behavior. In the JDK, events notify the relevant listener classes to take appropriate action.

F

factory
A bean that dynamically creates instances of beans.
Feature Integrator
A VisualAge for Java mechanism that lets you integrate Java class libraries and beans, called features, that reside on the file system.
field
A data object in a class; for example, a variable.
framework
A set of object classes that provide a collection of related functions for a user or piece of software.
free-form surface
In the Visual Composition Editor, the large, open area where you can work with visual and nonvisual beans. You add, remove, and connect beans on the free-form surface.
form data
A generated class representing the HTML form elements in a visual servlet.
fully bound object program
On the OS/390 platform, an executable or DLL file that does not require an object file.

G

generic bean
In the Domino Access Builder, a bean from the Domino Java class library that has been wrapped with a bean interface. Generic beans can be used in Java programs and for visual composition in the VisualAge Java IDE.

H

HOD
See Host On-Demand.
home interface
In the EJB Development Environment, the methods used by a client to create, locate, and remove instances of enterprise beans.
hook
An assembler instruction inserted in the user application code that gives the Enterprise Toolkit for OS/390 Performance Analyzer control to perform analysis.
Host On-Demand (HOD)
An IBM software product that provides a Java-based, e-business network solution that incorporates industry-standard Telnet 3270 protocols.
HPC
An acronym for High Performance Compiled.

I

IDE
See Integrated Development Environment.
IDL
See Interface Definition Language.
IDL Development Environment
In VisualAge for Java, an integrated development environment that allows you to work with IDL source code and generate Java code using an IDL-to-Java compiler.
IDL group
A container used to hold IDL objects in the IDL Development Environment. It is similar to a file system directory.
inheritance
(1) An object-oriented programming technique that allows the use of existing classes as bases for creating other classes. (2) A mechanism by which a derived class can use the attributes, relationships, and member functions defined in more abstract classes related to it (its base classes). (3) In the EJB Development Environment, there are two forms of inheritance: class inheritance and EJB inheritance. In class inheritance, the home interface, remote interface, or enterprise bean class inherits properties and methods from base classes that are not themselves enterprise bean classes or interfaces. In EJB inheritance, an enterprise bean can inherit properties (such as container-managed persistence fields and association ends), methods, and method-level control descriptor attributes from another enterprise bean that resides in the same group.
initializer
A value that is used as the default until explicitly changed.
Inspector
In VisualAge for Java, a window in which you can evaluate code fragments in the context of an object, look at the entire contents of an object and its class, or access and modify the fields of an object.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
In VisualAge for Java, the set of windows that provide the user with access to development tools. The primary windows are the Workbench, Log, Console, Debugger, and Repository Explorer.
interaction specification
In the Common Connector Framework, the interface definition and the implementation of the interface by the various connectors. A concrete interaction specification lets you specify all properties that enable a communication to make a single interaction with a host system.
interface
In the Java programming environment, a group methods that can be implemented by several classes, regardless of where the classes are in the class hierarchy. The Interfaces page in the Workbench lists all interfaces in the workspace.
Interface Definition Language (IDL)
In CORBA, a declarative language that is used to describe object interfaces, without regard to object implementation.

J

JAR file format
JAR (Java Archive) is a platform-independent file format that aggregates many files into one. Multiple Java applets and their requisite components (.class files, images, sounds and other resource files) can be bundled in a JAR file and subsequently downloaded to a browser in a single HTTP transaction.
JavaBeans
As defined by Sun Microsystems, a portable, platform-independent, reusable component model.
Java Database Connectivity
In the JDK, the specification that defines an API that enables programs to access databases that comply with this standard.
Java Development Kit (JDK)
As defined by Sun Microsystems, a software development environment for writing applets and applications in the Java programming language.
Java Foundation Class (JFC)
As defined by Sun Microsystems, an extension that adds graphical user interface class libraries to the Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT).
Java Native Interface (JNI)
A native programming interface that allows Java code running inside a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) to interoperate with applications and libraries written in other programming languages, such as C and C++.
JavaObjs
In Remote Method Invocation, the name of the user-defined default file that contains a list of server objects to be instantiated when the Remote Object Instance Manager is started.
JavaServer Pages (JSP)
A server-side scripting technology that enables you to embed Java code within static Web pages (HTML files), and to execute the Java code when the page is served.
Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
The part of the Java Runtime Environment responsible for interpreting Java bytecode.
JDBC
See Java Database Connectivity.
JDK
See Java Development Kit.
JFC
See Java Foundation Class.
JNI
See Java Native Interface.
JSP
See JavaServer Pages.
JSP Execution Monitor
A tool that enables you to monitor the execution of JSP source, JSP-generated Java source, and HTML output.
JSP file
A scripted HTML file that has a .jsp extension. A JSP file can be directly requested as a URL, called by a servlet, or called from within an HTML page.
JVM
See Java Virtual Machine.

K

key property
In the Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions, a class that includes a set of Java properties that uniquely identify an EAB Business Object.

L

listener
In the JDK, a class that receives and handles events.
load
The act of adding an edition from the repository to the workspace.
Log
In the IDE, the window that displays messages and warnings during development.

M

makefile
In the C++ Access Builder, a makefile is a text file that contains commands. It may include commands to create backups, set up build environments, or start execution of a program. Traditionally, makefiles specify the dependencies of target files on source files.
mapper
In the Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions, a class that maps the properties of a bean (for example, a record) to or from the properties of a set of beans (for example, business objects).
mapping
See schema mapping.
method
A fragment of Java code within a class that can be invoked and passed a set of parameters to perform a specific task.
Migration Assistant
In VisualAge for Java, the tool you can use to help convert an ActiveX component to a Java bean. The Migration Assistant generates Java source code that implements the JavaBean event handling model.

N

named package
In the Integrated Development Environment, a package that has been explicitly named when created. Contrast with default package.
Navigator
In the Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions, an EAB Command composed of other Commands to form a more complex interaction (navigation) with a host system. See also EAB Command.
nonvisual bean
A bean that is not visible to the end user in the graphical user interface, but is visually represented on the free-form surface of the Visual Composition Editor during development. Developers can manipulate nonvisual beans only as icons; that is, they cannot edit them in the Visual Composition Editor as they can edit visual beans. Examples of nonvisual beans include beans for business logic, communication access, and database queries.

O

open edition
An edition of a program element that can still be modified; that is, the edition has not been versioned.
ORB
See Object Request Broker.
Object Request Broker
In object-oriented programming, software that serves as an intermediary by transparently enabling objects to exchange requests and responses.

P

package
A program element that contains classes and interfaces. See also default package and named package.
package group
In team programming, for a specific edition of a package, the group of developers who are authorized to create classes in the package, release classes into the package, and assume ownership of any class in the package.
package owner
In team programming, the member of the development team who is responsible for the quality of a particular edition of a package. The package owner can add developers to the package group, and can version and release the package into its containing project.
palette
See beans palette.
part
An existing, reusable software component. All parts created with the Visual Composition Editor conform to the JavaBeans component model, and are referred to as beans. See visual bean and nonvisual bean.
partially bound object program
On OS/390 systems, output from a compiler or assembler which is itself executable machine code or is suitable for processing to produce executable machine code.
partitioned data set extended
On OS/390 systems, a set of separate or partitioned data.
PDSE
See partitioned data set extended.
Performance Analyzer
In the Enterprise Toolkit for OS/390, a component that traces the execution of a program and creates a trace file with data such as time stamps and events. See also trace event and trace file.
persistence
A bean persists by having its properties, fields and state information saved and restored to and from storage. This is in contrast to transient objects that cease existing when the application that created them is not running.
Persistence Builder
In VisualAge for Java, a persistence framework for object models, which enables the mapping of objects to information stored in relational databases and also provides linkages to existing data on other systems.
program
In VisualAge for Java, a term that refers to both Java applets and applications.
program element
In VisualAge for Java, a generic term for a project, package, class, interface, or method.
project
In VisualAge for Java, a unit of organization used to group packages.
project owner
In team programming, the member of the development team who is responsible for the quality for a particular edition of a project. The project owner can version the project and add, delete, and release packages in the project.
project resources directory
The file system directory where VisualAge for Java stores or looks for external resources such as images or HTML files. By default, each project has its own resources directory (with the same name as the project) inside x:\IBMVJava\Ide\project_resources, where x:\IBMVJava is the directory where VisualAge for Java is installed.
property
An initial setting or characteristic of a bean, for example, a name, font, text, or positional characteristic.
property sheet
In the Visual Composition Editor, a set of name-value pairs that specify the initial appearance and other bean characteristics. A bean's property sheet can be viewed from the Properties window.
proxy bean
A group of client-side and server-side objects that represent a remote server bean. The top-level class that implements the proxy bean is the client-side server proxy. See BO Proxy Beans, client-side server proxy, and server-side server proxy.

R

record
In the Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions, contains properties that map to the fields in a record of a host application. Records can be used to define input or output for Commands in the Enterprise Access Builder. See also EAB Command.
Record Framework
A Java framework that describes and converts record data.
record type
In the Enterprise Access Builder for Transactions, a one-dimensional representation of the data structure of user-defined parts of a host application. A record type can be generated by one of the Import Source to Record Type SmartGuides or can be hand-coded.
 
release
In team programming, the act of updating the configuration of program elements contained in a specific edition of a project or package. When package or class owners release modified editions into a containing project or package, they update the team baseline. See baseline.
reload
The act of replacing an edition in the workspace with a different edition from the repository.
remote debugger
A debugging tool that debugs code on a remote platform.
remote interface
In the EJB Development Environment, specifies the remote business methods that a client can be call on an enterprise bean.
Remote Function Call (RFC)
SAP's open programmable interface. External applications and tools can call ABAB/4 functions from the SAP System. You can also call third-party applications from the SAP System using RFC.
 
Remote Method Invocation (RMI)
In the JDK, the API that allows you to write distributed Java programs, allowing methods of remote Java objects to be accessed from other Java virtual machine
Remote Object Instance Manager
In the RMI Access Builder, a program that creates and manages instances of server beans through their associated server-side server proxies.
repository
In VisualAge for Java, the permanent storage area containing all open and versioned editions of all program elements, regardless of whether they are currently in the workspace; The repository contains the source code for classes developed in (and provided with) VisualAge for Java, and the bytecode for classes imported from the file system. Every time you save a method in the IDE, it is automatically updated in the repository. See also SCM repository and shared repository.
repository administrator
In team programming, the user who maintains the repository user list and performs repository administration functions. See also EMSRV user.
Repository Explorer
In VisualAge for Java, the window from which you can view and compare editions of program elements that are in the repository.
repository server (EMSRV)
In team programming, the program on the VisualAge for Java server that manages concurrent user access to one or more shared repositories.
repository user list
In team programming, the list of users who can access a repository.
resource directory
See project resources directory.
resource file
A non-code file that may be referred to from your Java program in VisualAge for Java. Examples include graphic and audio files.
RFC
See Remote Function Call.
RMI
See Remote Method Invocation.
RMI Access Builder
A VisualAge for Java Enterprise tool that generates proxy beans and associated classes and interfaces so you can distribute code for remote access, enabling Java-to-Java solutions.
RMI compiler
The compiler that generates stub and skeleton files that facilitate RMI communication. This compiler can be automatically invoked by the RMI Access Builder, and can also be invoked from the Tools menu item.
RMI Registry
A server program that allows remote clients to get a reference to a server bean.
roll back
The process of restoring data changed by SQL statements to the state at its last commit point.

S

schema
In the Data Access Builder and the Persistence Builder, the representation of the database that will be mapped.
schema mapping
In the Data Access Builder, a set of definitions for all attributes matching all the columns for your database table, view, or SQL statement. The mapping contains the information required by the Data Access Builder to generate Java classes.
SCM
See software configuration management.
SCM repository
In VisualAge for Java, a generic term for the data store of any external software configuration management (SCM) tool. Some SCM tools refer to this as an archive.
Scrapbook
In VisualAge for Java, the window from which you can write, edit, and test fragments of code without having to define an encompassing class or method.
scratch edition
In team programming, a private edition of a project or package. It is only available to the workspace owner who created it.
server bean
The bean that is distributed using RMI services and is deployed on a server.
server configuration
In the EJB Development Environment, one or more enterprise beans that, in combination with a set of specific properties, have been added to an EJB server.
server-side server proxy
In the RMI Access Builder, a companion class to the client-side server proxy, facilitating client-side server proxy communication over RMI. See client-side server proxy.
service handler
In the Servlet Builder, an interface for visual servlets.
services
In Persistence Builder, classes that implement the low-level functionality required to store and retrieve objects from the data store.
servlet
Server-side classes that respond to HTTP requests.
Servlet Builder
A set of visual and nonvisual beans provided with VisualAge for Java, Enterprise Edition, for building servlets.
Servlet Launcher
A tool in the IDE that allows you to start an HTTP server, bring up your browser, and launch a servlet.
session bean
A relatively short-lived enterprise bean. Contrast with entity bean. There are two types of session beans: stateful and stateless.
session data
In the Servlet Builder, persistent data stored by the HTTP server.
shadow browser
Any browser launched from the Repository Explorer. Shadow browsers allow you to view, copy, and edit source, but they do not allow you to save any changes.
shared repository
A repository residing on a VisualAge for Java server, used by a team of developers. The team clients' workspaces connect to the shared repository. See also repository and repository server (EMSRV).
SmartGuide
In IBM software products, an active form of help that guides you through common tasks.
software configuration management (SCM)
The tracking and control of software development. SCM tools typically offer version control and team programming features.
SPB
See Stored Procedure Builder.
SQL predicate
The conditional part of an SQL statement.
SQLJ
A standard way to embed SQL statements in Java programs. Contrast with JDBC.
stack frame
In the VisualAge for Java Integrated Debugger, one of several methods that form a stack trace. Stack frames are listed in the Methods pane, in reverse chronological order; that is, the most recent method called is at the top.
stateful sesssion bean
A session enterprise bean that acts on behalf of a single client, and that maintains client-specific session information (called conversational state) across multiple method calls and transactions.Contrast with stateless session bean.
stateless session bean
A session enterprise bean that does not maintain any conversational state. Contrast with stateful session bean. Stateless session beans are pooled with others in a container.
staleness
In the Persistence Builder, this describes stored data that should have been rewritten, but was left unchanged because of a failed write operation.
sticky
In the Visual Composition Editor, the ability to drop multiple copies of a bean selected only once from the palette. When sticky is enabled, the mouse pointer remains crosshaired until you select either the Selection tool or another bean from the palette.
stored procedure
A procedure that is part of a relational database. The Data Access Builder can generate Java code that accesses stored procedures.
Stored Procedure Builder
In VisualAge for Java, a tool that allows you to work with DB2 stored procedures.
Swing
As defined by Sun Microsystems, the code name for a collection of GUI components that runs uniformly on any native platform that supports the Java virtual machine (JVM). Contrast with AWT.

T

tear-off property
In the Visual Composition Editor, a variable representing a property that allows you to work with that property as if it were a separate bean.
text deck
On the OS/390 system, a name for a load module used to load a program into central storage for execution.
thread
A separate flow of control within a program.
Tivoli Connection
A set of components that enable development of VisualAge applications that are ready to be managed by Tivoli.
Tivoli Enterprise Console
An event and automation application that provides rules-based event correlation for integrating network, systems, database, and applications management.
Tivoli event
A formatted message that is sent to the Tivoli Enterprise Console when a significant event occurs in an application.
Tivoli Management Software
Network, systems, and application management software developed by Tivoli Systems Inc.
Tool Integrator
A VisualAge for Java mechanism that lets you integrate Java applications that reside on the file system in order to launch them from within the IDE.
toolkit
See Enterprise Toolkit.
trace event
An event in user application code, such as the entry to a method, that is recorded by the Enterprise Toolkit for OS/390 Performance Analyzer for analysis.
trace file
A file produced by the Enterprise Toolkit for OS/390 Performance Analyzer that contains trace analysis information from your program. The file can be downloaded and viewed in the Performance Analyzer diagrams.
transaction
(1) In a CICS program, an event that queries or modifies a database that resides on a CICS server. (2) In the Persistence Builder, a representation of a path of code execution. (3) The code activity necessary to manipulate a persistent object. For example, a bank application might have a transaction that updates a company account.
type
In VisualAge for Java, a generic term for a class or interface.

U

Unicode
A 16-bit international character set defined by ISO 10646.
union
In the C++ Access Builder: (1) A class that can contain different types of objects at different times. Only one of the member objects can be stored in a union at any time. (2) Given the sets A and B, all elements of A, B, or both A and B.
unresolved problem
In VisualAge for Java, an error marked by an X to the left of the program element name, for example, a declaration or definition problem. You can view all unresolved problems from the Unresolved Problems page in the Workbench.
user list
See repository user list.

V

version
The act of making an open edition a versioned edition, that is, a read-only edition, and naming it.
versioned edition
An edition that can no longer be modified.
visual bean
In the Visual Composition Editor, a bean that is visible to the end user in the graphical user interface.
Visual Composition Editor
In VisualAge for Java, the tool you can use to create graphical user interfaces from prefabricated beans, and to define relationships (called connections) between beans. The Visual Composition Editor is a page in the class browser.
visual servlet
A servlet that is designed to be built using the Visual Composition Editor.

W

WebSphere
A set of IBM software products that help customers build and manage high-performance Web sites.
WebSphere Application Server
IBM's Java servlet-based Web application server used for deploying and managing Web applications. WebSphere Application Server is a Web server plug-in based on a server-side Java programming model that uses servlets, JavaServer Pages files, and enterprise beans. Executable code that is generated by VisualAge for Java can be run on the Websphere Application Server.
workspace
The work area that contains the Java code that you are developing and the class libraries on which your code depends. Program elements must be added to the workspace from the repository before they can be modified.
workspace owner
In team programming, the team developer currently associated with the workspace on a VisualAge for Java client. The owner's privileges determine what operations the developer can perform on objects in the shared repository.