Netbeans
What Is a Rich Client? In a client server architecture the term rich client is used for clients where the data processing occurs mainly on the client side. The client also provides the graphical user interface (GUI). Often rich clients are applications that are extendable via plug-ins and modules. In this way, rich clients are able to solve more than one problem. Rich clients are typically developed on top of a framework. A framework offers a basic starting point on top of which the user can assemble logically related parts of the application, which are called modules. An overview of the characteristics of a rich client: ✔ Flexible and modular application architecture ✔ Platform independence ✔ Adaptability to the end user ✔ Ability to work online as well as offline ✔ Simplified distribution to the end user ✔ Simplified updating of the client What Is a Rich Client Platform? A rich client platform is an application life cycle environment, a basis for desktop applications. Most desktop applications have similar features, such as ✔ menus ✔ Toolbars ✔ status bar ✔ progress visualizations ✔ data display ✔ customization setting ✔ Saving and loading user-specific data and configurations ✔ Splash screens ✔ about boxes ✔ internationalization ✔ help systems etc ….... The most important aspect of a rich client platform is its architecture. Applications based on rich client platforms are written in the form of modules , within which logically coherent parts of an application are isolated . A rich client platform also frees the developer from being concerned with tasks that have little to do with the application’s business logic. Advantages of a Rich Client Platform ✔ ✔ Modularity :- provides high degree of robustness and end user value Reduction of Development Time →Through the re-usability of many predefined components, developers are able to concentrate very closely on the business logic of the application in question. →It provides a multitude of application programming