When developers need new parts, they can write them in IBM Smalltalk, the pure object-oriented programming language included with VisualAge. As an alternative, they can get new parts from vendors participating in the IBM Object Connection Program, or they can build their own parts using C or COBOL; VisualAge will automatically make the parts behave like objects. In addition, the support of Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) allows developers to exchange data between two VisualAge applications, or between VisualAge and conforming commercial software packages.
Applications written with VisualAge are actually IBM Smalltalk objects. Organizations can reuse these objects in either product without change.
In addition to IBM Smalltalk, VisualAge provides add-on features, which are actually prefabricated parts, including:
In addition, VisualAge features a platform portability approach. Customers can develop applications for OS/2 or Windows and, without change, deploy them on either platform.
VisualAge applications are scalable -- developers can write them for single users or for an entire enterprise. The Team version helps move large-scale team development into an object-oriented environment. It includes a LAN central library of classes, parts, and subsystems that developers can access and update concurrently. VisualAge also supports source and object code tracking, version control, and configuration management. VisualAge Team adds the extra benefits of advanced test facilities, enhanced packaging capabilities, and run-time performance analysis tools.
Organizations can adopt VisualAge without in-depth, object-oriented skills and ease the transition to object-oriented programming.
Developers can write, run, and debug code and repeat the process without leaving the Smalltalk environment. Iterative development and easy prototyping allow developers to work more closely with end users to make sure that applications are not only delivered fast, but are consistent with expectations.
IBM Smalltalk provides 32-bit capability; a fully documented application programming interface (API) based on industry standards for user interface controls, graphics, file system, and base Smalltalk language classes; and a Smalltalk virtual machine, as well as data encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance.
IBM Smalltalk includes a comprehensive class library that facilitates code reuse and portability, allowing developers to spend less time rewriting code and more time focusing on the strategic objectives of the application. Programs written to IBM Smalltalk's interfaces are fully portable across supported platforms without modification. The ported applications even take on the look and feel of the native platform.
IBM Smalltalk includes:
See also:
The Credit Suisse Group
Cooperative Teams Enable OO Application Development