Quick Start Guide for 1.0 Users


Cosmo Code version 2.0 contains significant changes from 1.0. For a thorough introduction to the new features, it is recommended you complete the tutorial included with the web-based help, available from the Help menu in Cosmo Code.

This page should give you a quick introduction to the major differences and get you started using the new features.


Developing Java Applets, Applications and Packages in Cosmo Code

With the addition of a project manager, a full source editor, and a visual builder, Cosmo Code provides a complete development environment. You can develop source code using the visual builder and source editor, compile the code and fix compile errors, then debug the resulting program using enhanced versions of the debugging tools that were available in Cosmo Code 1.0.

Running an Existing Java Program

All Java programs are treated as projects within Cosmo Code. If you have applets, applications or packages developed with Cosmo Code 1.0, or outside Cosmo Code, you can bring them into Cosmo Code as a project in one of the following ways:

Adding Visual Builder Code to an Existing Program

In this version of Cosmo Code, the visual builder is intended for use in developing new applets and applications. It does not support interface code that was developed outside the visual builder. This means that you cannot take an existing applet or application into the visual builder and modify its interface.

It is possible to launch the visual builder on an existing applet or application, and generate a new interface. If you choose to do this, you need to integrate the code generated by visual builder with your applet or application code.

Working with Source Files

Cosmo Code 2.0 contains a complete source editor with a full range of editing commands. The source editor is visible at all times in the Source panel. Files are editable when displayed in the Source panel unless the permissions are set to make them read-only.

Compiling and Fixing Compile Errors

The Build and Run buttons compile a project using the flags specified in the Project Settings dialog (available by choosing Project > Project Settings...). Only those files that have changed or those files which generated errors during the previous compile are recompiled. You can force Cosmo Code to recompile all files by choosing Project > Build All.

The Build card displays compiler output and provides a list of compile errors. Use the Next Error button in the Build card to display the error locations in the Source panel.

Command-Line Debugging

The command-line debugger is now a card. If you want to use this in conjunction with other cards, you can copy the Command card by using the left mouse button to drag the card to a new location.

Static Analyzer Integration with the Debugger

The Overview, Class and Query cards are now integrated with other development and debugging tools. The Run and Build commands automatically generate and update the class database, so you no longer need to edit a fileset before viewing a class graph or browsing classes.

Class Graph Integration

The Overview card now displays a class graph, showing all the classes that your applet or application uses.

Cosmo Code Configuration File

The configuration file for Cosmo Code, ~/.jdev, has been renamed to .cosmocode to match the application name. Because of this change, the .jdev file will no longer be used.