A Java developer using a modern IDE to write programs using the Jakarta Struts framework may think that they have reached the peak of productivity, so where does BW*Wizard for Struts (aka StrutsWizard) fit in?

The answer is simple: a developer using StrutsWizard can build and test fully functioning Struts-based web database transactions in minutes. Then they can open the source code in their favorite IDE and add any additional business logic. The code built by StrutsWizard looks like the best hand-written code, and can easily be understood and extended by any Java programmer conversant with Jakarta Struts.

Sophisticated programs based on the Jakarta Struts framework can be built in a matter of minutes by new and experienced developers alike. New developers will find the built programs a valuable learning aid. Experienced developers will be able to quickly modify the supplied templates or develop their own templates for use with StrutsWizard. Services to tailor templates and/or develop site customized templates are also available.

So how do you use StrutsWizard?

StrutsWizard is a 'project-based' tool. Datamodel DDL ('create table' statements) are imported into the project, and the datamodel can be extended with repository entries to define how database columns should be displayed and edited. Project strings and preferences defines where and how the code will be built.

Programs are defined within a project.

A Template and a primary database table are selected for each application. Examples of template types are menus, scrolling lists, and detail forms.

Columns to be used in the View and the corresponding Model are selected.

Item Extension can optionally be specified.

Item Extensions are used to specify attributes about a database column, such as the label to display, the type of GUI form part to use, validation edits, etc. Item Extensions are themselves extensible, allowing developers to add new extensions as required. The code associated with a Column's Item Extension is added to every application that references the column. Data Integrity benefits greatly from Item Extensions as all programs ensure that the entered data is correct. After the application is built in StrutsWizard it is ready to be compiled and tested using the built-in Tomcat server; or the source code can be imported into any Java IDE for testing or the addition of business logic.

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