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Introduction

Network computing technologies created major changes in the way people think of computer hardware and software. Sun Microsystem's Java language combines an object oriented approach with machine independence and a network centered model of computing to provide the right tools for software professionals to usher in a new generation of computing functionality.

Java alone, however, is simply a powerful programming language. It requires the imagination and effort of creative programmers and software designers to find innovative ways to create value from this new computing paradigm.

Network computing and object oriented software share a common philosophical foundation: people are far more productive when they can collaborate effectively. Object oriented software facilitates collaboration with re-usable software components that are easy to understand, robust enough for general-purpose use, and easily extended to specific uses. A computer network provides an infrastructure for sharing software components efficiently, so that any finished product can be a collaboration of work from many talented individuals.

It is in this same vein that Visual Engineering created KavaChart. KavaChart provides graphing and charting functionality useful to almost any kind of program. Visual Engineering has been doing graphics and charting software since 1983, and consequently, we are in a unique position to create robust, efficient, and re-usable components. We are able to share these components with you for a tiny fraction of the cost of developing your own software. Reusable software has become a productive reality.


Document Overview

This document provides broad overview information about KavaChart's "chart" package, KavaChart's predefined applets (the "applet" package), the KavaChart servlet and beans collections, and describes various utilities provided with this product. Whether you use the frame enabled Table of Contents or the Index links at the top and bottom of each page, this user document has been designed to provide quick access to the information you are looking for. Within each of these chapters you will find extensive links to the KavaChart API reference manual. Of course, if you have not purchased the KavaChart Developer's kit you won't have the API reference manual and the links from this document to the API will not be "active". An index to the API reference manual can be found using the API link, however, the API reference manual itself is only available once you have purchasd and downloaded the Developer's Kit.

A set of appendices gives general information about how to do things like compile KavaChart programs, how to deploy classes on a web server, and how to set chart properties for the standard applets. Since some of this information varies, depending on your target development and deployment environment, we recommended that you first become familiar with using the Java language in your environment to get the most out of this document. 


Getting Started

People vary greatly in their approaches to learning, and this product attempts to accomodate a wide range of target users. If you're most comfortable with HTML, and prefer to experiment with already working examples, we suggest you consult the Applet chapter to get an overview of KavaChart's capabilities, and by viewing the applet demos, and then browse the source code located in KavaChart's standalone and applet directories when you're ready to dive into Java code.

If you prefer to absorb "the big picture" before jumping into product details, you might prefer to read through the illustrated chapter links at the top and bottom of this page.

Experienced Java developers might want to start with the Application Cookbook for a highly caffeinated tour through KavaChart, and then look at the applications, servlets, and applets in KavaChart's "contrib", "standalone", and "beans" directories to see direct examples of subclassing and advanced features. The API documentation is an invaluable resource to help you understand how this code works. We've also provided high level source code within KavaChart's "chart" package to demonstrate how to assemble charting components using our predefined templates. Experienced developers interested in building custom charts might want to examine these java files in the "chart" directory.


[Index] [Installation] [Cookbook] [Package] [Component] [Chart] [Axis] [Utility] [Applet] [Servlet] [Appndx A] [Appndx B] [API]