ThinkCAP JX – RAD for Ajax Based Development

RAD (Rapid Application Development) is probably the most popular type of SDLC model today. With this development model, developers are able to build an application really fast. Basically RAD lets the developers constantly build an application by stages while consulting to the potential users. With that technique, developers does not only cuts the testing stage but they also ensure that the application are built according to the specification of the future users.

This type of SDLC development model should be implemented in all web and application languages and that includes Ajax. Unfortunately, Ajax is notoriously popular because it forces the developers to learn not only a single language but a series of languages. JavaScript, XML and HTTP are only three of the applications that you have to learn if you want to build a good looking application. The requirement of familiarity with these languages especially in JavaScript is not just simple familiarity but in an expert-like capacity.

Fortunately, there are frameworks developed not only for JavaScript friendly developers but also for developers who were never familiar with JavaScript. Using only Java, developers are able to build good looking and Ajax based websites. These frameworks “translate” different Java coding into JavaScript so that client side scripting is possible.

Looking back, these are all RAD if they follow the procedures that were instruction by the development model. This move really depends on the developers whether or not to follow this particular type of development model.

But there is one framework that was developed specifically for RAD. Called the ThinkCAP JX, this development framework is available as a commercially used framework and an open-source framework that could run in any Operating System. The open source version is the same with the commercially released tool but with little to no support from the makers of the framework. This framework was created by ClearNova. Although this company is a little bit obscure, the framework is very effective nonetheless.

This framework has the ability to translate Java into a JavaScript just like any regular Java-based framework does. What made it different from other frameworks is the library of functions. Instead of developing their own set of functions, ThinkCAP JX uses two libraries as the source of their functions: script.aculo.us and prototype. These websites comes with a series of functions that is free for any developer to use.

A big advantage of this library is from the fact that it is constantly being updated by different developers. ThinkCAP JX could easily integrate these functions to the framework and easily launch it as an Ajax based application. These libraries are not only used as an added function for an Ajax based application but they practically provide the base functions for developers. The familiarity of developers with prototype and script.aculo.us made it the ideal choice for the creators of ThinkCAP JX.

The idea of RAD in ThinkCAP JX is from the fact that ThinkCAP JX has the ability to build visuals for the users really fast. With this feature, potential users and managers could comment on what should and should not be done for their anticipated application.