Puakma, Domino and Java
Puakma is very similar to Domino. All the logic for any given page happens during two key events - QueryOpen and QuerySave. To program these "agents" you create and compile a Java class file that extends Puakma's ActionRunner and then associate this code with the event. Simpler than it sounds, as you can see by downloading one of the free demo applications.
Now, I've always used NetBeans whenever I've had any Java work to do. Mainly because it was the first free IDE I found that I liked the look of. It takes a bit of working out but it has always worked for me. However, it sometimes throws strange errors, is slow to load and has that horrible built-with-Java look to it. That's why I have recently switched to Eclipse. It looks a lot cleaner, loads faster and has yet to give me any grief.
Not everything is as easy as simple aesthetics though. Eclipse may look nice but I've found one key difference which is tempting me to switch back. There is no easy way to compile a .class file. In NetBeans it's easy. You make your change to the Java source and hit F9. The compiled class file is there waiting for you to use. In Eclipse the only way I've found to do this so far is to select Rebuild All from the Project menu (not even a shortcut key). Simple, but not as quick. If you make lots of changes to lots of files this is the kind of thing that gets to you in the end...
Are there any Eclipse pros out there who can make my life easier?
Skip to the 
You can subscribe to an individual
When you save your java file, it auto compiles the class file for you, am I missing something here?
Damn. That simple? Looks like you're right. Not perfect though IMHO as you can save and create the class file with errors. Unless I am being even more stupid than I already have been.
Thanks for the info anyway Jamie. Looks like I might stick with Eclipse now. I don't make mistakes anyway ;-)
Yeah Eclipse rocks ;)
Ive been trying to convert Brendon over to using it for his puakma work, but I think he is set on Netbeans (or is it JBuilder?) for a while to come.
I had the exact same problem with Eclipse when I made the jump from Netbeans - spent many an hour looking for the compile button!!
Sometimes the easy solutions are the hardest to find ;)
Mat
Hi Jake,
yeah, Jamie and Mat are right - the class file gets compiled when you save. Set the debug process to save before you debug and it will then, of course, save everytime before you debug ;o)
I also started with Netbeans but found it to slow when editing (you know - you start typing and nothing appears on screen - you then type it again and then you have everything double :o) - it didn't really seem to matter how fast the machine was (I have a 2.4 GHz, 1 GB (memory) machine)!
Eclipse seems much better - and I can debug Notes agents with it ;o)
Greetings
Ursus
Hi Jake,
Not that I'm using netbeans,eclipse is soooo much nicher. But the last time I played with netbeans I didn't like the layout either, so skinned the sucker. There should be so links on their website.
Gr
Hans
I have no idea if eclipse is better or worse. My trouble is that I have already learned how to use JBuilder 2, 3, and 6, Netbeans and the commandline tools. Frankly I can't be bothered learning how to use yet another IDE, so until I come across some important Netbeans limitation, I'll stick with it.
My advice is use whatever allows you to get the job done. Hmmmm. I think I'm getting old....
Serious guys. I don't understand this puakma stuff. Could please anybody take the time to explain it to me.
There is a common standard called j2ee.
There are open source and not-open source servers for that standard.
There are highly productive dev-tools for that standard.
There are tons of ad-on frameworks, taglibs, openSource projects and design patterns especifically for J2EE
There are tons of books and material.
You can use the building blocks of the standard in a modular way. Example: You don't have to use EJB. You can use JDBC, frameworks for JDBC, Hibernate, JDO or what do I know.
I mean I like people with exotic hobbies.
But why the hell 2 guys from New Zealand (I think) create a more productive server environ than thousands of Sun, IBM, Oracle, SAP and lots of other companies engineers and thousands of open source developers?
regards Axel
Hi Axel,
This covers most of the background: {Link}
Essentially Puakma is about choice. We at wnc can now create immensely flexible solutions for our customers without being at the mercy of the big name vendors. You may cry "opensource", but opensource in its current form is not a sustainable business model thus will die, leaving us all with the expense and bloat of the likes of websphere.
I believe the J2EE architecture is somewhat flawed and when it was originally devised was only an incremental step beyond serving static html files. Because IBM & co have invested so heavily in it they will never admit to their customers that it has shortcomings. If the J2EE architecture is so fantastic, why then have Microsoft headed in a completely different direction with .NET?
We are able to create a more productive server environ simply because we are a small highly cohesive team. We do not have the million dollar budgets, endless meetings and high operating overheads that the big companies have. This means we can act quickly and ensure quality.
Brendon Upson
webWise Network Consultants
Australia