JavaBeans

In computing based on the Java Platform, JavaBeans are classes that encapsulate many objects into a single object (the bean). They are serializable, have a zero-argument constructor, and allow access to properties using getter and setter methods. The name "Bean" was given to encompass this standard, which aims to create reusable software components for Java.

Advantages

• The properties, events, and methods of a bean that are exposed to another application can be controlled.
• A bean may register to receive events from other objects and can generate events that are sent to those other objects.
• Auxiliary software can be provided to help configure a java bean.
• The configuration settings of a bean can be saved to persistent storage and restored..

Disadvantages

• A class with a nullary constructor is subject to being instantiated in an invalid state.^[1] If such a class is instantiated manually by a developer (rather than automatically by some kind of framework), the developer might not realize that the class has been improperly instantiated. The compiler cannot detect such a problem, and even if it is documented, there is no guarantee that the developer will see the documentation.
• JavaBeans are inherently mutable and so lack the advantages offered by immutable objects.^[1]
• Having to create getters for every property and setters for many, most, or all of them can lead to an immense quantity of boilerplate code.

JavaBeans API

The JavaBeans functionality is provided by a set of classes and interfaces in the java.beans package.

JavaBean conventions

In order to function as a JavaBean class, an object class must obey certain conventions about method naming, construction, and behaviour. These conventions make it possible to have tools that can use, reuse, replace, and connect Java Beans.

The required conventions are as follows:

• The class must have a public default constructor (with no arguments). This allows easy instantiation within editing and activation frameworks.
• The class properties must be accessible using get, set, is (can be used for boolean properties instead of get), and other methods (so-called accessor methods and mutator methods) according to a standard naming convention. This allows easy automated inspection and updating of bean state within frameworks, many of which include custom editors for various types of properties. Setters can have one or more than one argument.
• The class should be serializable. [This allows applications and frameworks to reliably save, store, and restore the bean's state in a manner independent of the VM and of the platform.]

Code Example

package player;

public class PersonBean implements java.io.Serializable {

    /**
     * Property <code>name</code> (note capitalization) readable/writable.
     */
    private String name = null;

    private boolean deceased = false;

    /** No-arg constructor (takes no arguments). */
    public PersonBean() {
    }

    /**
     * Getter for property <code>name</code>
     */
    public String getName() {
        return name;
    }

    /**
     * Setter for property <code>name</code>.
     * @param value
     */
    public void setName(final String value) {
        name = value;
    }

    /**
     * Getter for property "deceased"
     * Different syntax for a boolean field (is vs. get)
     */
    public boolean isDeceased() {
        return deceased;
    }

    /**
     * Setter for property <code>deceased</code>.
     * @param value
     */
    public void setDeceased(final boolean value) {
        deceased = value;
    }
}

TestPersonBean.java:

import player.PersonBean;

/**
 * Class <code>TestPersonBean</code>.
 */
public class TestPersonBean {
    /**
     * Tester method <code>main</code> for class <code>PersonBean</code>.
     * @param ARGS
     */
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        PersonBean person = new PersonBean();

        person.setName("Bob");
        person.setDeceased(false);

        // Output: "Bob [alive]"
        System.out.print(person.getName());
        System.out.println(person.isDeceased() ? " [deceased]" : " [alive]");
    }
}

Use in a JavaServer Page

testPersonBean.jsp;

<% // Use of PersonBean in a JSP. %>
<jsp:useBean id="person" class="player.PersonBean" scope="page"/>
<jsp:setProperty name="person" property="*"/>

<html>
    <body>
        Name: <jsp:getProperty name="person" property="name"/><br/>
        Deceased? <jsp:getProperty name="person" property="deceased"/><br/>
        <br/>
        <form name="beanTest" method="POST" action="testPersonBean.jsp">
            Enter a name: <input type="text" name="name" size="50"><br/>
            Choose an option:
            <select name="deceased">
                <option value="false">Alive</option>
                <option value="true">Dead</option>
            </select>
            <input type="submit" value="Test the Bean">
        </form>
    </body>
</html>

References

External links

• JavaBeans tutorials
• JavaBeans specification