Simplicity for Mobile Devices, created by Data Representations,
is a cross-platform Rapid Application Development environment targeting
J2ME mobile information devices using Java Technology™ MIDP. This tool
is designed to allow programmers of all levels easily harness the power
of Java Technology™ to create robust applications that will work on
Palm OS Platform, and MIDP enabled phones or pagers. A developer can
write the application once and it will work accross all MIDP compatible devices.
During the development process a programmer can easily switch the on-screen
emulator to see what the application looks like on a specific device without
saving and compiling.
Key features of Simplicity for Mobile Devices include:
- MID Emulator
- Fast User Interface building
- Code Sourcerer
- Execution-on-the-Fly
- RMS data storage
- Graphics simulation
- TCP/IP simulation
Ease of Use
Most notable about the Simplicity for Java family of products is the ease
of use they provide for both novice and advanced programmers. Simplicity
presents the developer with a WYSIWYG interface for building MIDlets. Creating
the graphical user interface is as easy as clicking and dragging in Simplicity's
Visual Composer environment. Simplicity writes all the code for the developer.
Code Sourcerer™
Creating the code necessary to make the new application work is made simple
by the Code Sourcerer. It interviews the user, in plain English, gathering
the information needed to generate the correct code. Programmers need only
choose the features they wish to incorporate into their program, and the
software automatically generates the code. The Visual Composer and Code
Sourcerer make short work of creating complex applications. Beginning programmers
become powerful programmers, and advanced users become more productive.
Execution-on-the-Fly™
Another feature that increases productivity is Execution-on-the-fly, allowing
programmers to see the effects of their code before compiling. As code
is generated, the application changes correspondingly. Users have found
this to be one of the most useful features in Simplicity for Java, as it
speeds both development and the debugging process.
MID Emulator
Simplicity for Mobile Devices includes a simulator in which developers can
build and test their Java Technology enabled applications for MIDP-based
devices. Developers can use any of the Java features in the MID Profile to
build MIDlets, and the MIDlet will perform the same way in both the emulator,
and when deployed to an actual cell phone or MID-enabled mobile device.
These features include:
RMS data storage: Simplicity for Mobile Devices includes
sequential record storage for persistent data safekeeping. Simplicity for
Mobile Devices gives the developer a flexible manner to emulate the particular
device's environment, as well as direct access to the stored data for ease
of debugging and testing.
Graphics simulation: Simplicity for Mobile Devices
offers a flexible way to emulate the graphics display of any cell phone or
mobile device that implements the MID Profile. Developers can build visually-rich
applications using GUI elements such as TextAreas and Gauges or directly
drawn graphics and images.
TCP/IP simulation: Simplicity's MID Emulator offers
full network access through the development workstation. Applications can
be built using network sockets or the http protocol. This allows the development,
testing, and debugging of wireless client applications for J2ME/MIDP-enabled
mobile devices.
System Requirements and Product Availability
Simplicity for Mobile Devices fully realizes the multi-platform capabilities
intrinsic to Java. Simplicity for Mobile Devices will run on any Java-enabled
platform with a JDK version 1.3, including Linux, OS/2 Warp, Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000,
Solaris, and Unix platforms. It is recommended that the computer have a
minimum of 32MB RAM.