Getting started with emerging Java technologies :

Emerging Java technology is available in the following categories on alphaWorks:

APIs - Application Programming Interfaces are sets of classes, interfaces, and principles of operation that constitute a Java extension. They are scalable for use in domains ranging from first-party call control in a consumer device to third-party call control in large, distributed call centers.

Application Development - Application development resources vary from information for developers and software managers to tools and applications that provide time- and cost-effective foundations for solution development.

Components - Java components are self-contained elements of software that can be controlled dynamically and assembled to form applications.

Developer Kits - These include Software Development Kits for compiling and class files for coding Java.

IDEs - Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) use an editor pane to display source code and indicate the correct line. An IDE allows collaboration on projects using a platform of choice.

Reference Implementation - This category includes extended classes and code for adding to existing Java functionality.

Utilities – These are a large collection of useful tools for creating Java applications, including tools that parse numbers into integer, long, or double values, non-numerics, and string padding.