Amazon.co.uk Review
Jini is Sun's Java-based dynamic network protocol. Jini-enabled applications and devices can add and leave networks as they please, discover the features of the network and make use of them without human intervention. Jini supports distributed applications as well as enabling plug-and-play hardware via Jini device drivers.
Jini is built on Java's network support which opens Professional Jini. This leads on to RMI after which Sing begins on Jini proper. He goes into detail on Jini's Lookup Service, which lies at its heart, distributed events, distributed leasing and distributed transactions. The useful Javaspace technology is covered and then it's into creating some sample Jini applications.
Sing clearly knows his subject but assumes you do too. Although Jini's end result is simplicity of operation, it's a complex, multi-layered, unintuitive technology associated in most minds with hardware. Sing, though, seems to be saying its main importance lies in the area of distributed applications. To this end he supplies example code on a grand scale with plenty of discussion on how it works. Existing Java programmers should have little trouble getting up to speed with what must be the definitive text on the subject.
Unfortunately, Sing provides little context for Jini in the early chapters which makes for initial heavy going. Fortunately, the latter chapters provide coverage of real-life Jini examples, including PersonalGenie. It makes sense to read these first to get a feel for what Jini can actually do. --Steve Patient
Book Description
Jini is a networking protocol from Sun that sits on top of Java. It allows devices to interact together without having to worry about drivers, different operating systems or complicated cabling. Devices connect to a network and offer services to other devices. A huge range of devices have the potential to be connected to networks using Jini; anything from computers and printers to televisions and air-conditioners. The idea is to allow devices to interact simply with each other, e.g. your repair-service network can connect directly to your broken refrigerator via the telephone to diagnose the fault.
JavaSpaces is a related technology, built to show a practical application of Jini. A JavaSpace is a really simple interface which allows remote systems to collaborate via what is essentially a notice board. Java programs place objects, examine objects, or take objects away from this board. They can also ask to be notified when the object they're looking for appears on the board. As an example, a word-processor application could place a fax job on the notice board, which a fax application would find and perform as and when it was free. The two applications don't need to know anything about each other's location, only what objects they handle.
Professional Jini Programming presents in one single volume everything that an advanced Java programmer will need to start designing and programming with Jini or JavaSpaces technology.
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