Domino provides the standard structure for a Java agent when Java is selected as the Run type for an agent. Figure A shows the structure provided.

FIGURE A

Here's the Domino Designer Java environment. Click picture for a larger image.

It provides the appropriate import statement (import lotus.domino.*) needed to work with the Domino classes. Also, the main entry point for a Domino Java agent is the NotesMain method, and it's provided. A try/catch block is provided along with two objects: Session and AgentContext. The Session object represents the environment for the current program, and AgentContext represents the current environment for the agent.

Additionally, the reference tab next to the classes tab is available for online help during development. Figure B shows the reference tab opened to the Domino classes.

FIGURE B

The Domino Designer reference tab is opened to the Domino classes. Click picture for a larger image.

Core Java and XML classes are available for viewing as well. The reference tab lists the classes by their package names with twisties available to expand to the classes and their associated methods and properties.

I've got a couple of other comments regarding the Designer interface. You may have noticed four buttons at the bottom of the window: Edit Project, New Class, Export, and Compile. The Edit Project button allows classes to be removed and added to the current code. The New Class button adds a new class to the agent. Compile compiles the code into bytecode, and Export allows it to be saved to a local drive. Above the buttons is the error box where errors encountered during compilation are listed with the errant line numbers to the right.

Java Console
All developers should thoroughly debug their code to ensure proper functionality. The Domino client offers the Java Console for working with Domino Java code. All system output via print statements can be viewed in it. All error messages will be displayed in it as well. It's available via the File->Tools->Show Java Debug Console drop-down menu. Figure C shows the drop-down selection

FIGURE C

The drop-down menu activates the Java Debug Console. Click picture for a larger image.

Figure D shows the actual window.

FIGURE D

Here's the Java Console window. Click picture for a larger image.

Class files
Java class files are most often distributed via JAR (Java ARchive) files. This is a compression format unique to Java, much like WinZip or Microsoft CAB files. Well, the Domino Java classes are distributed in a JAR file. They're located in the base directory of your Domino R5 installation.

Table A shows the files that are available.