Scripting in Java SE 6 (Code-Named Mustang )
TS-1382

This session summarizes the scripting features in Java Platform, Standard Edition 6 (Java SE 6), including the scripting APIs and the JavaScript ScriptEngine included in the release. The main part of the presentation illustrates these features by building a real-life application.

The starting point is a useful Java technology-based application that does not use scripting. The presentation shows how the application might be enhanced by allowing end user customizations.

The first approach to customization is demonstrated with a Java callback interface that can be implemented by end users. The presentation includes an example of a useful customization. The example will require that the end user be a competent Java technology programmer.

The second approach uses the Java SE 6 ( Mustang ) scripting APIs to embed a ScriptEngine in the application. The presentation uses a script executed by the ScriptEngine to implement the callback interface of the previous example and shows an example in which a script communicating with the application's internal object model is used to automate the application.

The final approach shows how the application can expose a simplified subset of its object model that is tailored for use by end users who may not be Java technology programmers.

Most of the examples use the built-in JavaScript engine and illustrate its language features. The presenter modifies at least one of the examples by changing a single line of code to switch to a third-party ScriptEngine that uses another scripting language.

At least some areas of the presentation will be of interest to any Java technology developer. Application developers will benefit from suggestions on how to enhance their applications by using scripting. Developers or users of third-party scripting language interpreters will benefit by understanding how scripts executed by their interpreters can be incorporated in mainstream Java technology-based applications by use of the Java SE 6 ( Mustang ) scripting APIs.

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