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Frequently asked questions.
The following are a selection of questions followed by their answers...
Answers
Is JForma extensible?
Yes. You can write custom Java classes to be called at various points of the processing cycle.
What application servers are supported?
JForma was developed using Tomcat and tested with Macromedia JRun 4. You should be able
to use any fully compliant JSP container.
Are there any application servers that JForma does not work with?
Tomcat is the reference implementation for JSPs and JForma works with Tomcat. Consequently,
any JSP Container which is fully compliant should also work. Knowing that these are 'famous last
words', however, let us know if you are having trouble.
Do I need a specific web page editor?
No, continue to use whichever editor you normally work with to compose your JSP's and just
incorporate JForma's tags at the appropriate point.
What version of Java does JForma use?
JForma uses JDK Standard Edition 1.3 or better, or JDK Enterprise Edition 1.2.2 or better.
Does JForma use any custom native libraries?
No. It is written entirely in Java.
Does JForma use Struts by Apache?
No. It is a completely custom development.
Does JForma output XML?
No. It is specifically aimed at writing out HTML form systems for intranets and extranets.
Does JForma work over the Internet?
If your users have either Netscape 6, Internet Explorer version 5 or better, then yes. Modern
versions of browsers are needed because of the JavaScript used for browser based validation.
Older browsers were a little shaky in this respect. If you can guarantee that your users will be
using a modern browser, then feel free to use JForma for Internet applications.
Is JForma a visual development environment?
No. It is primarily a JSP tag library. JForma does contain a browser based Forms Administration
System which is, of course, visual!
Does JForma support localization?
Yes.
How much does JForma cost?
The standard edition of the product is free. However support and other services
are charged for. We may choose to bring out additional versions with more advanced feature sets which
we may charge for.
Is JForma likely to remain free?
The standard edition will remain free.
Why is JForma free?
Java has created a 'community spirit' where much free software is available. We take advantage of
this ourselves and wish to return the favor. Assisting you with support issues, however, requires paid staff
and so we charge for the use of their time.
What do I do if I have a problem?
If you do not have a support contract the help we can offer is strictly limited. If you find a bug in our
software please let us know as we are always looking to improve the quality of our work. Similarly, if you
have an idea for a new feature, by all means let us know.
Does JForma utilize EJBs?
No. The standard edition works entirely in the web tier, although more advanced versions may interface
with an EJB tier at some point.
How does JForma validate data entered by the user?
JForma uses JavaScript in the browser as well as server based validation. Using browser based
validation saves the round trip to the server for simple error detection thus improving user throughput.
Is there any documentation available?
JForma is fully documented. As well as a manual there is extensive online Help. You may
download the JForma manual by clicking here.
What databases does it work with?
We've tested JForma with Oracle, Sybase, DB2, MS SQL Server and PostgreSQL. If you want
to use JForma with another database, let us know how you get on so that we can document it for everyone else.
Are there any databases it doesn't work with?
We know that it won't work with MySQL version 3 since it does not contain sub-queries. Version 4 may
change this situation. If you find another database that JForma won't work with, let us know so that
we can either alter JForma to work with it or else document the exception for everyone else.
Is JForma 'Open Source'?
No. The source code is a custom development of SQLTechnology.
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FAQ