JavaOne 2013 NetBeans Day: Cool NetBeans Tips and Tricks for Java EE 7 Development

I mentioned in my panel discussion for Cool NetBeans Tips and Tricks for Java EE 7 Development that I would publish my 6:30 demo for creating an application from nothing to PrimeFaces application on GlassFish 4.0.

Here is a link to the Mercurial project on BitBucket: JavaOneApp

Lambda Expressions on Java SE 6

Introduction

I attended a talk at JavaOne 2013 on Expression Language 3.0. It was a great talk by Ed Burns and Kin-man Chung about EL. EL 3.0 has been modular for a while, and can operate independently of the EE platform. I knew that, but this was a siren call reminder of that fact. During the talk, I asked a number of questions and for clarifications. One interesting clarification was that EL 3.0 was compiled using Java 7. This was following a discussion of the fact that it supports Lambda expressions. Wait... it uses Lambda expressions from Java 8 and is compiled using Java 7. I asked could it be compiled on Java 6. Kin-man Chung, the specification lead, told me that with some minor changes; "it should?" I took that as a challenge to try. I was successful and now I can do Lambda expressions on JDK 6.

When I mentioned that I was using this technique for Java 6 on Twitter, Michael Graciano pointed out that +Adam Bien  had done something similar for Java 1.7. I am not sure if great minds think alike, or fools seldom differ on this one, but his article is a very cool read too.

@jyeary @RichardWarburto you mean something like this? http://t.co/CdaR29wJBw
— Michel Graciano (@mgraciano) October 2, 2013

Technical Details

The easiest way to try it out for yourself is to download the compiled version here: javax.el-3.0.0-custom.jar
 
If you want to create your own, then follow these easy steps.

1. Download and install Java CC 6.0
2. Download Java EL project using NetBeans Team Server on Java.net, or using Subversion: https://svn.java.net/svn/el-spec~source-code/tags/javax.el-3.0.0
3. Open the impl directory and modify the build.xml file to point to your Java CC 6.0 directory, for example:
   
4. Change the pom.xml to source and target level 1.6
   
5. Change the version in the pom.xml so that it is distinguishable from the RI.
   
6. Execute a mvn clean
7. In the impl directory, execute ant. This will compile the parser code for EL.
   Note: This is a very important step!
8. Modify the org.glassfish.el.test.ELProcessorTest, and remove all of the try with multicatch, and diamond operators.
9. Execute mvn clean install.

If you were successful, you will have a version of EL 3.0 that will run on Java SE 6.

You can test your code using some of the examples found in the references below, or using the sample code snippet that uses some of the code from the references.

App.java

---

References

• THE HIDDEN JAVAEE 7 GEM - LAMBDAS WITH JDK 1.7
• Java EE 7 Delivers Expression Language Enhancements
• Standard Deviation: An Illustration of Expression Language 3.0 in Servlet Environment
• Expression Language Specification
• JSR 341: Expression Language 3.0

JavaOne 2012: MICE and men

I attended a wonderful presentation on MICE (MASE) from the NATO Defence Programme as part of development on the NetBeans Platform. I was impressed with how NATO looked at NetBeans and understood what many of us already knew; NetBeans platform should be the first choice for doing Rich Client (Swing) development.

NATO was able to take advantage of common functionality provided by the platform like file handling, and user options, this left them to focus on the business of developing an air defense program. This is the way it development should be.

I had a great opportunity to talk with Angelo D' Agnano, one of the principal developers, at JavaOne. I was very excited to be able to give them a Duke's Choice Award at JavaOne. It was well deserved. The follow on talks just confirmed how cool it is.

Check out the The NetBeans Zone article on Dzone: Updated NATO Air Defence Solution Based on the NetBeans Platform

It will not disappoint.

The Java Life

When Oracle contacted me about doing a survey for them to use at JavaOne 2011 I had no idea what they had planned. As a result I sent back my survey with a bunch of fun loving answers. Some of them serious, but most were simply funny answers. I guess a couple of the other JUG Leaders had the same idea.

The result was a video which was a video called "The Java Life" which aired at the opening JavaOne and JavaOne Community keynote addresses. I have attached the video for your enjoyment. The lyrics are below it, and finally you can see my survey responses.

Who said Oracle doesn't listen?

Future Perfect / l.inc design
9.1.11

SPOKEN:
In the cubicles representin’ for my JAVA homies…
In by nine, out when the deadlines are met, check it.

CHORUS:
We code hard in these cubicles
My style’s nerd-chic, I’m a programmin’ freak
We code hard in these cubicles
Only two hours to your deadline? Don’t sweat my technique.

Sippin’ morning coffee with that JAVA swirl.
Born to code; my first words were “Hello World”
Since 95, been JAVA codin’ stayin’ proud
Started on floppy disks, now we take it to the cloud.

On my desktop, JAVA’s what’s bobbin’ and weavin’
We got another winning app before I get to OddEven.
Blazin’ code like a forest fire, climbin’ a tree
Setting standards like I Triple E….

Boot it on up, I use the force like Luke,
Got so much love for my homeboy Duke.
GNU Public Licensed, it’s open source,
Stop by my desk when you need a crash course

Written once and my script runs anywhere,
Straight thuggin’, mean muggin’ in my Aeron chair.
All the best lines of code, you know I wrote ‘em
I’ll run you out of town on your dial-up modem.

CHORUS:
‘Cause…
We code hard in these cubicles
Me and my crew code hyphy hardcore
We code hard in these cubicles
It’s been more than 10 years since I’ve seen the 404.

Inheriting a project can make me go beeee-serk
Ain’t got four hours to transfer their Framework.
The cleaners killed the lights, Man, that ain’t nice,
Gonna knock this program out, just like Kimbo Slice

I program all night, just like a champ,
Look alive under this IKEA lamp.
I code HARDER in the midnight hour,
E7 on the vending machine fuels my power.

Ps3 to Smartphones, our code use never ends,
JAVA’s there when I beat you in “Words with Friends”.
My developing skills are so fresh please discuss,
You better step your game up on that C++.   
 

We know better than to use Dot N-E-T,
Even Dan Brown can’t code as hard as me.
You know JAVA’s gettin’ bigger, that’s a promise not a threat,
Let me code it on your brain

WHISPERED:
so you’ll never forget.

CHORUS:
We code hard in these cubicles,
it’s the core component…of what we implement.
We code hard in these cubicles,
Straight to your JAVA Runtime Environment.

We code hard in these cubicles,
Keep the syntax light and the algorithm tight.
We code hard in these cubicles,
Gotta use JAVA if it’s gonna run right.

We code hard in these cubicles
JAVA keeps adapting, you know it’s built to last.
We code hard in these cubicles,
Robust and secure, so our swag’s on blast

CODE HARD


Here is my original survey...

Here are some answers for you to your questions. It was fun. I hope you enjoy the answers.

What is your favorite Java enabled device?
A: SunSpot

Have you ever used Java in an unconventional way?
A: Named my cat 'Java', tried to teach my 5 year old to program with it, and poured it in a beer to make sure I did not waste it.

Have you ever heard of Java being used in an unconventional way?
A: Yes, ask Adam Bien about his thermostat.

What would you say is the best use for Java?
A: Besides drinking it, it is also really good for removing rust, and creating great MVC Model 2 design n-tier enterprise applications.

What project that you've worked on are you most proud of?
A: A good question. I think that the Java boot camp project on Java.net is a great project. I like to teach others to program. Oh, and my boss says everything that I am currently working on!

Is there something universally frustrating about being a programmer?
A: Yes, computers won't bend to my mind control. Most programmers know what they want their applications to do. The implementation is the difficult part. I am only partly kidding about the mind control!

If Java had an enemy, what/whom do you think it would be?
A: Actually my cat Java has a nemesis called 'chipper' the chipmunk who taunts him from outside the bay windows. Duke the champion of all that is good fears only TEN. TEN. TEN. (.NET backwards).

What is the worst thing to hear about a project as a Java programmer?
A:  ... and can you have that done by 5:00 PM?

Describe your Ideal Day
A: I wake up and go sailing. The wind is perfect and I beat Larry in a race with a Sunfish. He is so impressed, he donates his BMW-Oracle race boat to my Alma Mater Maine Maritime Academy, and asks for remedial sailing lessons. Oh, and I get all of my coding projects done... before 5 PM. ;-)

What is your favorite snack?
A: Beer

What is your favorite beverage?
A: Guinness... or as noted above with Java.

Do you have any hobbies?
A: Dreaming! Java programming, Sailing, Hiking, Kayaking, Rafting, Canoeing, Camping, Biking, Yoga, Paper Airplanes, Model Airplanes, Linux, Shooting, Fire Fighting, and just about anything that could get you killed in a horrific fantastic epic manner.

What are your favorite video games?
A: Fallout 3, and Fallout New Vegas.

What/Which gaming system(s) do you use?
A: PS3 and Nintendo Wii

Do you hang out with other Java programmers?
A: Yes, they are great people. Common interests, and common bonds make great friends.

What do you do together when you hang out?
A: DRINK BEER! We have intellectually stimulating conversations about which algorithms are best suited to solve complex coding challenges. Who am I kidding, WE DRINK BEER and discuss everything from the cute waitress to particle physics (yes very geeky).

Tell me a funny story that happened while on the job?
A: Don't drink and team code. Let's just say it can be...interesting. We were working over a weekend on a project and came across a corner case on the project. The software was for use by field service engineers working remotely. The case was to submit a service ticket it had to have a) time, b)parts, c) both, and d) (CORNER CASE) an attempt to submit a ticket with nothing. I commented that only a "moron" would do that. My partner agreed, and I thought it would be funny to place a pop-up in the code called a "Moron Alert". We ran it, drank more, ran it some more, and laughed at my cleverness... one problem. Yup, you guessed it. Anyway, the application gets deployed and has been running for 3 years until someone (a moron) gets the alert. His manager calls me crying from laughing so hard. He had asked the engineer what he did to get "MORON ALERT...MORON ALERT...MORON ALERT. What are you a moron for trying to submit a ticket without parts, or time. Are you a moron (Yes/No). Only the yes button works. Funny!

What websites or blogs do you visit most often?
A: My own (http://javaevangelist.blogspot.com). I can't seem to remember my own solutions to problems until I Google it, and discover I covered it in my own blog. Arun Gupta (http://blogs.oracle.com/arungupta/), and Java.net.

What are your favorite TV shows?
A: All things sports especially baseball, and college football.

What are your favorite movies?
A: Metropolis, Blade Runner, and Apocalypse Now.

Who is your favorite band, or recording artist?
A: Front Line Assembly.

Who are your favorite comedians?
A: Sarah Palin, Nancy Bachman, and the crew of Saturday Night Live.

What are your favorite viral videos?
Flu Attack! How A Virus Invades Your Body

Outside of work, how much time do you spend on a computer?
A: According to my wife, far too much time. I have a computer on my nightstand, and I have fallen asleep with my hands on the keyboard. Thankfully I don't drool.

What are some stereotypes of Java programmers? How accurate are they?
A: What someone is stereotyping us! I want to be monotyped! People should hear a single voice. Java programmers are supposedly introverted, and lack social skills. They are not accurate... I am an extrovert.

Are there common characteristics of Java programmers who do not fit the stereotype(s)?
A: Bruno Souza, Martijn Verburg, Stephan Janssen, and of course me. All of them are friendly, honest, approachable, and kind. They are willing to help others if you simply ask, and love to code.

Are there any inside/industry jokes in the Java world?
A: Have you seen the videos that JavaZone puts out. http://jz11.java.no/trailer_video.html

What do you love about Java itself, or love about being a Java programmer?
A: Java has a promise to "write once...run anywhere." This is a powerful tenet of the language. This power allows you to be creative in ways that only are limited by your imagination. In 1995, people had a vision about what could be possible, but if you asked them today whether it would power Predator Drones, or control the Large Hadron Collider (LHC); the answer would have been no. If you asked them today if they are surprised; the answer would be no. I like being able to dream, and to teach my kids to dream. There fantasies are our future, one hopefully powered by Java.

If you weren't a Java Programmer, what might be your focus/passion?
A: I love the ocean, and I would likely go back to being a Merchant Mariner. I love to sail, and I am passionate about preserving the oceans. Perhaps I would work on engineering more efficient sailing methods for merchant vessels to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

JavaOne 2010 Improvements for JavaOne 2011

I was going over my list of things to improve for JavaOne 2011 based on my experience in 2010. All things considered, it was a worthwhile conference to attend as always.

I love to see my friends, peers, colleagues, collaborators, and everyone who participates in the event that is JavaOne.

I thought I would publish this list I made last year, and see what changes are made for 2011. We can see if Oracle took some of the feedback to heart, and what improvements they will make.

1. If you are going to advertise a scheduling application, make sure it works. It was an epic failure at a developer conference.
2. Make it known to the attendees where sponsors are located, and pavilion areas. Ensure that attendees can get into the areas. Security was turning people back.
3. Communicate. The lack of communication was very apparent. Use social media more to show changes, and updates. Do some house keeping at the beginning/end of keynotes.
4. Have more entrances at the OTN party. No one knew how to get in, and the security were very unpleasant.
5. Have the Duke Awards given out in a public venue. Don't hand them out at an event that only a select few could attend.
6. Ensure that the labs work. The machines, and setup failed at most labs that people attended.
7. Set up the schedules, and do not constantly change them. Confusion was the rule rather than exception.
8. Provide accurate maps to the technical sessions. The Hilton is a maze. I would rather have it at Moscone, but if we must use hotels, have clearly displayed maps to the sessions.
9. Deliver some content, and QUIT prefixing every presentation with "safe harbor". Face it, if you mention it at a conference, the street expects you to deliver. Get over it.
10. Try to separate the community events sufficiently to allow attendees to go to multiple events like JUG and GlassFish events. Maybe split it into late morning/afternoon.
11. Offer food/beverages to community event attendees to keep them in the venue.
12. Have the Community Leaders/Technical Leads attend the JUG event so they can meet their advocates.
13. Keep the JUG Leader/Java Champions breakfast with Oracle staff. This was extremely beneficial.
14. Host a young developers/Lego Mindstorm/FIRST Robotics competition at the event and give the kids free passes. Start them young, and show them opportunities in the larger Java ecosystem.

JavaOne 2010: JavaFX Roadmap

Image via Wikipedia

I published an article earlier today on JavaFX, and avoiding the Kool-Aid. I have since discovered a published road map for JavaFX. I am still warning you not to invest until the goods are out, but here is the published road map.

JavaFX: Future Roadmap 2011+

JavaOne 2010: JDK7 Milestones

It has been a week since JavaOne. I am on the OpenJDK site looking at the plans for JDK7, and it is still empty with no updated plans. Only an orange text box promising an update to the milestones.

There were enough repetitive presentations, and probably discussions behind the scenes prior to JavaOne. Where is the plan? You can check it out yourself at the link below.

JDK7 Milestones

JavaFX: Why you should not drink Kool-Aid

Image via Wikipedia

F3 (Form Follows Function) was the original name of the language in 2005. Now we are 2010, and JavaFX (new name) is still yet to be realized. I started development with JavaFX in alpha/beta stages. When the first official release came out, all my code broke with Scenes, and Stages. The code was released incomplete, and failed to have at least a minimum matching set of components for Swing.

Now after 5 years, Oracle has decided to "kill" the scripting. The license is not open, and they expect us (developers) to trust "JavaFX 2.0+"?

I drank the Project Woodstock (Visual JSF) and JavaFX Kool-AId. Shame on me for not learning the first time.

I am going to wait and see, but Q3 2011 is probably to late for me... and JavaFX.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Oracle to Discontinue JavaFX Script; Will Use Java API (java.dzone.com)
• JavaFX... does it have a future? (nofluffjuststuff.com)
• JavaFX... It Does Have a Future (java.sys-con.com)

On the Cusp of JavaOne

JavaOne begins for me tomorrow (Saturday) with an annual event. The Java.Net Community Leaders Saturday. It is a working day for the community leaders to meet once per year to look at the challenges our communities face, and to plan for the upcoming year. It is also a time to re-kindle friendships, and share fellowship. I head out tomorrow morning to begin JavaOne 2010.

On Sunday, the JUG leaders and Java Champions are doing Java User Group Community Sunday along with MySQL, and GlassFish Community events. It is our hope that we can cross-pollinate our communities which are very intertwined.

The JUG Community Sunday event is promising to be a great affair. We have set it up as an Un-conference. So topics are open for the community. Instead of one person, or group projecting ideas at you, we can share ideas and let the cream float to the top. What is most important to the community. I can imagine that legal issues will float up. It is all I hear about from my community. I can't imagine it is different elsewhere. 

The conclusion of the Sunday events culminates in a couple of cocktail parties, an Oracle reception, and GlassFish party at the Thirsty Bear.

I almost forgot, Oracle is having a brunch for the Java User Group (JUG) leaders, and Java Champions. This will be a great chance for meeting new leaders, and reuniting with friends, and meeting the Oracle community.

All of these events take place before the official kick-off on Monday. Are you coming to JavaOne? Why not?

MySQL Sunday | Oracle OpenWorld 2010

Image via Wikipedia

MySQL Sunday | Oracle OpenWorld 2010 I wish there was more time at JavaOne. There are so many events going on at the same time that it makes it hard to decide which ones to attend. On Sunday alone, there are two major events: MySQL Sunday, and Java User Groups Sunday. Since I am a speaker at Java User Groups Sunday, and one of the Java User Groups community leaders, I must attend our event. However, l wish I could attend this event too.

Later in the evening, the GlassFish community is going to meet for an unconference and probably a few beverages. The Java User Groups Leaders are having a dinner at the same time across town. Could I clone myself: johnyeary.clone();? I want to attend both. My luck the OpenJDK folks will meet Sunday night too.

This is going to be a different JavaOne. It will be the first since the acquisition of Sun by Oracle. I am curious how it is going to compare to past JavaOne events.

My favorite JavaOne was 2005 with the release of Java SE and EE 5 along with GlassFish. Is this going to be one to remember?

JavaOne 2008: Its not the conference its the people

This year was a wonderful trip to JavaOne 2008. There were three items that made it memorable: first being part of the JavaOne selection committee, and second bringing one of the JUG members to his first JavaOne, and third all of the wonderful people who make JavaOne a community of conversations.

I was part of the external review committee for Java Tools and Languages. I got to review the over 300 submissions on our tracks alone. There were a number of really great submissions, and some real dogs. The rewards for the review process were a full conference pass, a wonderful dinner, recognition in the official JavaOne conference guide book, and most importantly being part of the community to select presentations.

The second item was to get a pavilion pass to the conference for Randy Burgess at the last moment. A special thanks to Sharat Chander, Sun Microsystems, for making it happen. Randy got to experience JavaOne. The enormity of the event often dazes the first time attendee. Randy was no exception. I think he will be back next year.

John Gage in the opening remarks reminds us each year the total number of hours in JavaOne and challenges us to meet new people. If you take advantage of this opportunity you will not be disappointed. The conference is much better when you meet new people and discuss familiar, and more importantly, unfamiliar topics.

The conference halls are filled with a brain busting compendium of technical sessions. They give you the chance to "sip from the fire hose of knowledge". It also gives the attendee a chance to meet some of the folks they may only see in mailing lists, or in email exchanges. The access to the technical experts is key. The technical talk may be good, but the "real" conversation occurs at the podium afterwards, and in the hallways. This is where the real knowledge transfer occurs.

When you go to technical sessions look around at all the faces surrounding you before and after. If you are focused on certain tracks: Java EE, Netbeans, web, etc., you will find that there are a certain select group of people that appear at the same talks. These are the folks you will want to meet. They are not the casual observers who come to sessions out of curiosity. They are the people who use the technology and feel a vested interest in it. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself. You will be surprised who you meet. The person next to you may be Craig McClanahan (Struts and JSF), Gregg Sporar (Netbeans), or maybe Tor Norbye (Java Posse, Netbeans).

Randy asked me after about a day if there was anyone I did not know. I said sure, but I still have time. Tick. Tock.

The fundamental "take-away" from this whole post is that JavaOne is a great technical conference, but the real power of the conference is lost unless you participate in the conversation. People make the difference. A conference is a conference, JavaOne is a community of conversations.

JavaOne 2008 Tools and Languages Review Team

I have been given quite an honor this year to help as an external reviewer for papers submitted for JavaOne 2008. The review team consisted of a number of great folks from the world of Java. The team included the Java Posse: Dick Wall, Tor Norbye, Carl Quinn, and Joe Nuxoll, Cay Horstmann, Fabiane Nardon, Adam Myatt, John Brock, Sharat Chander, David Folk, Gregg Sporar, and Petr Suchomel. It was quite an honor to be among such a terrific cast of reviwers.

We completed the task in a timely manner, and I am very pleased with the great submissions for this year at JavaOne. There was a lot of thought and consideration given to the proposals. We had over 300+ submissions to examine for merit. In the end, our whole team felt that we had a banner year for submissions. I hope all of the folks at JavaOne appreciate the selections.

2008 JavaOne Call-for-Papers is LIVE

JavaOne Conference

Call for Papers is OPEN

Submit your proposal today - Deadline is November 16, 2007

JavaOne, Sun's 2008 Worldwide Developer Conference, is seeking proposals for technical sessions and Birds-of-a-Feather (BOFs) sessions for this year's Conference.

Attracting over 15,000 developers and leaders in the developer community - from industry leaders, to experienced developers to developers starting out - this conference is one that brings together some of the industry's best and brightest.

The JavaOne conference is your opportunity to reach this specialized community by educating and sharing your experience and expertise with the developer community.

Additional information on the program can be found at:

http://java.sun.com/javaone/sf/tracks.jsp