Developers Lab

Application Architecture

An application running on the AgileApps Cloud platform can be as simple as single JSP page, or it can combine multiple resources, as shown in the following diagram. (The numbers indicate the lab exercise that introduces that facet of the platform.)

(On-Premise Installation option)

Here's how those components work together:

JSP Page

A JSP Page provides the user's view of the application. That view can be further enhanced using the library of jQuery components that is at your disposal, and you can use either the Java API or use AJAX and REST.

Java Controller class

In the best tradition of the MVC architecture, a Java class acts as the controller. It implements the Controller Interface, responds to user requests, and interacts with the data store. That class makes it easy to take the user's browser to the next step in the processing flow. It can be further augmented with additional classes, and with Static Resources files. Output statements can be sent to a Debug Log to help diagnose problems.

Controls Library

Access and manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM) using jQuery functions. Add jQuery controls to the page. Invoke JSON functions. Make JavaScript calls to retrieve XML or Json data.

Static Resources

To assist in the presentation of JSP pages, CSS files and JavaScript files can be stored and accessed from the page.

Data Store

The data store constitutes the application's data model. Under the covers, it's a relational database with all the Data Management trimmings (MySQL). But to an application developer, the data looks like Java objects, rather than rows in a table--so applications are easier to develop, and the whole task of database administration is offloaded to the platform.

Java Class Libraries

Access the standard libraries that provide the platform's Java API. Incorporate Java code directly into your JSP pages, or create Java classes to maximize functionality and reuse.

Back End Design Elements

Events and Business Rules

Use conditional Rules to invoke Java methods and launch processes. Optionally trigger additional Rules when you update data.

Processes and SLAs

Use Processes to invoke business rules, create Tasks for users, and send messages. Define SLAs to make sure things happen in timely fashion. (SLAs are effectively time-dependent processes that create tasks, send emails, and carry out other actions.)

Web Services

Configure Web Services to send data to remote services, and to retrieve data from them.

Debug Log

In addition to the event log, a special debug log can be used to track messages sent by application code.

Sites

While registered users can log in and access applications over an https connection, it is frequently desirable to allow interactions from the general public--for example, to send suggestions or submit a resume. Sites let you carve out an area of the platform that can be accessed over a standard http connection, without requiring the user to log in.

Web Forms

While it's convenient to develop an application on the AgileApps Cloud platform, you may want to interact with users on a site that already exists. To do that, you generate Web Forms that use JavaScript to collect information from the user and send it to an application--for example, to get contact information from someone who wants to be in the loop on new announcements and product developments.

REST interfaces

All applications running on the AgileApps Cloud platform are built from the application components listed above. REST interfaces can be used to log on to the system, access the applications, and interact with them.

Custom JARs

With the Installable Version, ISVs can add additional Java ARchive files (JARs)--for example, to integrate with external systems, utilize custom Web services, or access an existing function library.

Development Environment

Installing the Eclipse Plug-In makes it easier to edit JSP pages and Java classes.

Lab Exercises

These exercises are intended to explore each facet of the platform, using the simplest possible examples, so you can begin using those features in your designs as rapidly as possible.

Customization Exercises

In these exercises, you'll explore an existing application and learn how to do simple customizations with a minimum of coding.

• Lab C.1: Install an Application
• Lab C.2: Explore the Application

Basic Programming Exercises

In these exercises, you'll do some basic programming in the platform.

• Lab B.1: Hello World

  • Set up a development environment
  • Create a JSP page

• Lab B.2: Simple Interaction

  • Controller class
  • JSP button

• Lab B.3: Adding Functionality

  • Pass data to the controller
  • Pass data from the controller to the next page in the process stream
  • Use the Debug Log

Advanced Exercises

In these exercises, you'll tackle larger tasks.

• Lab A.2: Composite Objects
  • Add and update a collection of related objects that constitute a single logical "entity"