Installing and Using Java on Ubuntu....

Installing and switching between versions of Java on Ubuntu is a relatively simple process (with a couple of caveats), you just need to know the right commands. Considering that there was a time when I didn’t know this either I thought I’d share what I know (shouldn’t take long :)).

Anyways, first thing first. When we talk about installing Java on Ubuntu we are of course talking about Sun Java. You can also install Open JDK if you want, but most people will use the Sun version for their Java development. Of course these days there are several versions of Sun Java that are in mainstream use; well basically 2, Java1.5 and Java6 (I am sure things will be even more interesting when Java 7 comes out). Regardless of which version of the JDK you want to install the process to do this on Ubuntu is the same. You need to know what package you want to install and then you need to use our old friend apt-get.

Installing Java

In the case of the Sun JDK you will want to install either (or both) of:

sun-java5-jdk
sun-java6-jdk

Mozilla Plugin Development

Steps to create a mozilla plugin>

1) You need Mozilla Firefox Web Browser (Download from: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/)

2) Initail steps for a Hello World program is here : http://developer.mozilla.org/en/docs/Building_an_Extension

The package is zip file saved with xpi ( pronounced as zippi ). And the Interfacing language is called XUL

You can edit and test your xul templating using this url: http://ted.mielczarek.org/code/mozilla/xuledit/xuledit.xul

The Browser itself written in XUL format. Its basic structure is called XUL Overlay. We can override any part of that overlay with id. (See: http://developer.mozilla.org/en/docs/XUL_Overlays)

This is how different plugin’s are integrated with already existing mozilla browser. You can Override, Expand, or add separate window for your application.

Since the usage of desktop application are increasing and the need of javascript have more significant nowadays ( Ajax, Flash, Flex, Adobe Air) , We should follow client side developments.

If XUL is for templating , Javascript is action creator here. You can write your code in javascript.

After creating your application , you can showcase it on firefox extension folder. They put your code in sandbox. After testing, if it is an useful one, they will add it to their public package listing so that
everybody can access you extension.

So start your Hello World Application with Mozilla Plugin NOW .

Feel free to contact me in: santosh_madhavan@yahoo.co.in