As you probably know, JBoss Tools are a set of Eclipse plug-ins that offer support for developing, deploying, and testing applications based on JBoss.org (http://www.jboss.org/) projects.
If this definition doesn't say much, then let's just say that JBoss Tools is an "all-in-one" product that provides complete support for developing Java SE and Java EE applications. Also, it's important to note that JBoss Tools can sustain the development of each tier of an enterprise/desktop application by providing dedicated components like editors, wizards, syntax-highlighting, import/export skills, code completion, refactoring, etc.
If you are familiar with the JBoss Tools evolution, then it is impossible to skip the fact that the new JBoss Tools 3 Candidate Release 2 (JBoss Tools 3.0.0 CR2) version is the "king" of all versions. But, if JBoss Tools is a new challenge for you, then try to be careful; JBoss Tools creates dependency and it seems that the current software market doesn't offer an antidote yet. This compelling superiority is because JBoss Tools provides tools for both standard J2SE/J2EE technologies like EJB3 and JPA as well as open source technologies that have become widely accepted in enterprise Java development, for example, Hibernate, JBPM, Seam, etc. It brings everything that you'll ever need—together!
Looking inside the 3.0.0 CR2 bundle, we see the following tools (this is just a brief overview meant to reveal the JBoss Tools covered technologies):
JBoss AS Tools: To manage application servers (especially for JBoss AS)
JBoss JSF Tools: Tools dedicated to supporting JSF/JSF-related technologies
JBoss Struts Tools: Tools dedicated to the Struts framework
JBoss Hibernate Tools: Tools dedicated to the Hibernate framework
JBoss jBPM Tools: Tools to design and deploy jBPM business processes
JBoss XDoclet Tools: Tools to integrate XDoclet in Eclipse
JBoss Freemarker IDE: Syntax-highlighting editor for Freemarker files
JBoss RichFaces VPE: Visual Page editor for Richfaces, JSF, HTML, and CSS
BIRT Tools: Reporting Tooling for JBoss J2EE Servers (not presented in this book)
JBoss Smooks: Tooling Tools for Smooks (not presented in this book)
Next, in this chapter, you will see a brief listing of the features of JBoss Tools and after that we will proceed to install and configure the 3.0.0 CR2 release.
Further, in the following chapters, we will discuss the main tools and see that JBoss Tools can be a complete solution for Java developers.
To amaze its fans and win new ones, JBoss Tools comes with a long list of bug fixes and very important add-ons, like Seam 2, JBossWS, and Mac OS X support. Based on new features and the finest interactivity, JBoss Tools give us a strong feeling of control and robustness.
Here is a short list of the JBoss Tools features. These are the "checkpoints" in JBoss Tools evolution from its first release until version 3.0.0 CR2:
Seam Tools:
Change Seam parent project
Easier view-id selection
Seam pages editor preferences
Seam Ear project validator
Seam project settings validator
Seam components/EL
Sub classes/inner classes
Console configuration created for JPA project
Export diagram
Query editor
Code completion for Hibernate configuration properties
hbm.xmlandcfg.xmleditor
Drag-and-drop to JBoss Server View
"Explore" shortcut in Server View
More strict server launches
JBoss AS 5 support
JMX Console
XSD
jboss-esb.xmleditor
Richfaces 3.3
Restore Default for Palette
Tabbed Page Design Option dialog
New CSS Dialog performance
Folding in source editor
Memory tuning
TLD Version support
XUL Runner
Note
For a complete list of the JBoss Tools features, please check the http://docs.jboss.org/tools/whatsnew/ features page.
"Pretty impressive!" you may say! Well, the above list was just a brief overview of the JBoss Tools features. It is only when put under a microscope that every individual JBoss tool reveals its real power. So, what are we waiting for? Let's install it!