Agate Framework
The Agate Framework supports rapid application development of java applications. The resulting solution is a high quality, professional result, even though it is quickly developed.
The Framework creates a consistent environment for developers to achieve high productivity by utilizing "re-use" of software parts. Young developers are exposed to the full power and potential of object technology.
The Agate Framework Administration Guide, prepared in Word format, provides a complete description of the framework's commands. It may be downloaded if you prefer reviewing information in printed format.
Developer Productivity
The Framework provides software parts for the creation of business solutions: data maintenance frames, business objects, reports, menus, processing procedures, and user prompts An extensive array of supporting parts and widgets are available for use within these major parts, such as swing widgets, SQL processing, report drill down to archived images, and spell checking.
A class can access parameters at execution in a standard, some times hierarchical way, from these sources:
End User Productivity
The Framework presents a consistent user interface for all portions of an application. Extensive keyboard shortcuts, tool tip help, and html help aid the user experience.
An interactive report writer is available for users to create and run there own reports, for either ad hoc analysis or to extend the functionality of Framework built applications. Commands for these reports are created in a user's 'My Reports' folder for easy, repetitive use. If a user written report needs to be made available to multiple users, a command may be placed into a 'public' folder that is accessible to these users.
Archiving scanned documents and Framework generated reports is integrated into the Framework, creating an efficient user interface for displaying these documents from previewed report lines that reference them.
Commands
Commands, built with the framework, are used to:
1. Set up users.
2. Set up programs.
3. Set up printers.
4. Reference framework and database properties. Some properties are
stored in property files.
5. Build and run reports interactively.