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ION Java User's Guide: Overview of ION Java |
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ION Java is a sophisticated system that brings the power of IDL to the Internet. ION Java uses Java and Internet technology to deliver efficient data analysis and visualization capabilities to World Wide Web client applications. ION Java is ideal for organizations that have shared data that needs to be accessed and visualized by a wide variety of users. ION Java can be configured as part of a public Web server, a proprietary intranet server, or as both at the same time.
ION Java combines both IDL, the Interactive Data Language, and Java into a single, powerful tool for building Web-based applications. Both IDL and Java are cross-platform, interpreted languages. In contrast to Java, IDL is specifically designed for the visualization and analysis of large, multi-dimensional technical datasets. IDL is the language of choice for technical professionals, offering simple syntax, array-oriented architecture, and rich library of analysis and visualization routines. ION Java, ideal for client-server applications or Web-applets, gives Java developers the power to deploy their applications for data sharing and data analysis more rapidly.
ION Java allows access to IDL from virtually any computer in the world. Updating and maintaining ION is simple, since the product resides only on the server. Applets are sent to clients over the Web, as needed.
ION is designed to make it easy for you to create interactive Web pages or Internet/Intranet applications that use IDL. The following competencies are recommended for efficient ION Java application development:
Even if you do not maintain the World Wide Web server at your site, you should be aware of the configuration details. You will need to know where files should be located for server access, what file permissions are necessary, and any other site-specific details that apply to publishing HTML pages on the World Wide Web.
If you wish to build your own applications or applets, you will need to be familiar with Java programming concepts. You will also need to know how applets are embedded in HTML pages.
ION is designed to interact with IDL. To use ION, you will need to be familiar with IDL's basic command syntax and features.
IDL Online Help (March 06, 2007)