This package contains extensions to Java's GUI and utility libraries. The GUI extensions provide some higher-level GUI controls than are provided in java.awt and the utility extensions provide more general purpose utility classes.
I'm always looking to fine tune and polish these things so that they stand a better chance of being reused. So, any bug reports, suggestions on improvements, contributions or ideas on what else to provide will be happily accepted. Discussion may be either via the JAVA FORUM on the IBMPC forum disk or by direct e-mail (JKRESS at RHQVM22 or jskress@raleigh.ibm.com).
Most of these classes are pretty much complete. However, if you find problems, please let me know. They have been tested on Windows 95, Windows NT 4.0 and OS/2 Warp 3.0. Please let me know if you can verify the functionality on any other platform.
I hope you will find these packages useful. Enjoy!
There are currently no issues with these classes. They should be thread-safe though I have not explicitly tested for this. All exceptions thrown by each method are documented.
I hvae been working to keep abreast of the new features currently being planned for the 1.1 release of Java. Due to the new and modified features coming in that release, I will be functionally stabilizing the version of EXTPKG as a Java 1.0.x base that is current when Javaq 1.1 is released. I will be providing a new version of EXTPKG which will be built around the new 1.1 features. For EXTPKG, the biggest changes will be in the areas of event handling and localization. Although Sun is providing a plethora of updates to the AWT, there is still no sign of the higher-end controls provided by EXTPKG. So, it doesn't look like anything in the package will be retired come Java 1.1.
Bottom line is that the EXTPKG package built on Java 1.0.x will receive bug fix support only once Java 1.1 (and the 1.1 based EXTPKG) have been released. All enhancements and additions will be made to the Java 1.1 code base. After a sufficient amount of time (probably 90 days after the first Java 1.1 release of EXTPKG is released), the 1.0.x code base will be retired. This timeframe can be adjusted based on mitigating factors such as how long it takes for browsers to get upgraded to Java 1.1 or any project's special needs.
I'll provide as much support as I can for these classes but bear in mind that this is not my full time job so there maybe some delay between problems being raised and fixes being issued. Also, conference moderator allowing, it would be helpful to raise problems/issues on the JAVA conference of IBMPC rather than mailing me directly. This should save me having to read 40 descriptions of the same problem :) However, I will accept e-mail.
Use these libraries as you see fit. Be aware that I can't be responsible for any explosions, loss of hair, income or whatever. While every attempt has been made to ensure that the software works, no guarantee as to fitness for any purpose is made or should be assumed.
You are free to use these classes in customer projects or products to be sold by IBM and/or its subsidiaries. However, if the as-available support currently provided becomes insufficient, arrangements may be made with my management for billed support foryour project (I'll do just about anything for a valid CBLS number!).