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Roland Hughes’ manual, The Minimum You Need to Know About Java on OpenVMS, is the second book that builds on his
first book, The Minimum You Need to Know to be an OpenVMS Application Developer. Java is an object-oriented programming language
that borrows much syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities.
In this second
book, Hughes creates and demonstrates the tools you need to make Java a usable language on OpenVMS. The author delivers an
in-depth guide to overcoming the problems C/C++ programmers have with Java. He notes that the problems many have with Java
are rooted in syntax and where the language came from. Because the creators of Java wanted it to be a pure OOP language, Hughes
explains that in Java, most things are classes. Although appearing similar in C and C++, it is not. Java has a unique class
called an Array and no defined constructor. This means values can be stored anywhere and in no specific order.
In a
carefully crafted and illustrated order, Hughes presents a step-by-step manual to implementing Java for more application development
on OpenVMS. He points out that successfully using Java on OpenVMS requires the development of a Free Class Library. Programmers
learn how to create a Class Library developed in the OOP language. As well, Hughes shows how to write Java classes using the
Java Native Interface (JNI).
As in the previous book, Hughes rewrites the same application (mega-zillionaire application)
with each new tool. After developing the application with Java, FMS, and RMS indexed files, he redevelops the application
in this book using Java with FMS and RDB. Giving systematic and easy to follow instructions, programmers learn how to build
infrastructures while at the same time building the application. Readers are shown how to develop a generic class that will
be usable by Indexed Files. Hughes demonstrates how to use JNI to access RMS, FMS, system services, and operating system provided
libraries. As well, programmers learn to create an infrastructure MMS Procedure and how to use the supporting classes the
procedure creates. Hughes shows how to access RDB by way of the JDBC driver highlighting the importance of SQL. The CD that
comes with the book contains the Full Class source.
Well-illustrated examples with detailed analysis, descriptions,
and definitions, allow readers to follow the book while working with the server, thereby learning how to implement and operate
Java on OpenVMS. Each chapter details troubleshooting tips, error handling tips, as well as providing exercises to enhance
understanding of the tools.
With plenty of expertise, the author presents Java with all its advantages and pitfalls
while often comparing it to C++. Together with easy to follow instructions, detailed examples, and an informative chapter
on the future of IT, I highly recommend the book as an asset to computer programmers and those entering the IT field.
OpenVMS (Open Virtual Memory System) is a high-end computer server operating system. As a multi-user, multiprocessing
virtual memory-based operating system (OS), it is designed for use in time-sharing, batch processing, real time, and transaction
processing. It offers high system availability through clustering and distributes the system over many machines. The ability
to distribute both the application and a single transaction across multiple nodes is the heart of clustering; otherwise, it
is just networking.
Roland Hughes’ book, The Minimum You Need to know to be an OpenVMS Application Developer,
offers Computer Applications Developers, Consultants, Systems Analysts, and developers switching to OpenVMS, a detailed and
informative companion guide to understanding and implementing the applications and modules needed to operate and maintain
OpenVMS.
From logging into OpenVMS, each chapter charts a systematic guide to operating and sustaining the application
coding and programming of essential modules running on OpenVMS. Such languages, tools, and databases as DCL, DEC BASIC, FMS,
COBOL, CDD, FORTRAN, C/C++, MySQL, and RDB cover the heart of what you need to know as a maintenance programmer. Using a created
lottery tracking system, Hughes generates a single application and develops it in each of the following: DEC BASIC, FORTRAN,
COBOL, and C/C++. As well, Hughes shows readers how to use CDD, CMS, and MMS with these languages. By repeatedly applying
the same method in different languages, Hughes demonstrates in a clearly written and easy to follow guide, how a programmer
knowledgeable with one language can become skilled in others. The CD-ROM that comes with it contains the source code developed
in the book allowing readers to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each language.
Well-illustrated examples
with detailed analysis, descriptions, and definitions, allow the reader to follow the book while working with the server,
thereby learning the “nuts and bolts” of creating, understanding, and managing command files. Each chapter details
troubleshooting tips, error handling tips, reducing debugging time, as well as the Do’s, and Don’ts of writing
applications. Following each chapter, there are exercises to enhance comprehension of the modules and applications in OpenVMS.
With
a wealth of experience, Roland Hughes provides thoughtful and knowledgeable observations about the IT field. One important
bit of knowledge he conveys: “IT is a way of life, not a job.” With easy to follow instructions and detailed examples,
I highly recommend this informative and well-mapped book as an asset to those in the IT industry, as well to students entering
the computer-programming field.
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