Few of my friends are confused about what exactly is the Netbeans Platform and how it differs from the Netbeans IDE. That’s why I decided to write a blog post on it. Here I have given very basic introduction to Netbeans platform so that you can understand it
What is Netbeans IDE.
Netbeans IDE i.e. Integrated Development Environment is a software application which is used to develope, design software application in various languages like Java, C++, PHP, Python, Ruby etc. The Netbeans IDE contains many development tools like debugger, Source Code editor, compiler or interpretor, etc.
What is Netbeans platform.
The NetBeans Platform is a reusable framework for simplifying the development of Java Swing desktop applications. The Netbeans platform contains a basic structure to develop complex and highly modular applications very easily.
The NetBeans Platform is a generic framework for commercial and open source desktop Swing applications. It provides the “plumbing” that you would otherwise need to write yourself, such as the code for managing windows, connecting actions to menu items, and updating applications at runtime. The NetBeans Platform provides all of these out of the box on top of a reliable, fexible, and well-tested modular architecture.
It provides few always needed features by default so that you don’t need to code them again. For example. For any application we need
- MDI i.e Multiple Document Interface.
- A Settings page.
- A universal progress bar.
- An about page.
- Update manager – which will automatically check and update your software
The Netbeans provides all these features created for you, now what you have to do is just use them, change them according to your need. Add new forms to it. Add new features to it. No need to develop those features. We can say that Netbeans platform is partially created application with all basic features.
One important thing to note is, the Netbeans IDE itself is build using the Netbeans Platform.
For more clarifation just follow the steps give in Netbeans platform quick start guide and then you will easily understand what exactly is the Netbeans Platform.
Oct 12, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Thanks for explaining bro. nice explaination.
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Oct 19, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Hi Chetan,
Reached your blog through backpackingninja.com.
Found the layout clean and neat and writing crisp.
Why is the ‘about’ page password protected? where you experimenting with plug-ins ?
have bookmarked your blog for simple references on tech.
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Chetan Replied:
October 19, 2010 at 2:29 pm
@Unny, Thank you for visiting my blog.
The about me page is under improvisation, that’s why it is password protected for now.
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Nov 11, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Great….I remember the email chain on this doubt. Honestly even I didn’t know the difference…keep writing!
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Jul 16, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Eventually getting to understand the difference and your explanation really made sense. After reading the netbeans platform quick start guide, it all fell into place. Great stuff.
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