The BlackBerry Java Development Environment Inside and Out

In addition to supporting MIDP 2.0, JDE also allows use of hundreds of proprietary BlackBerry APIs to take full advantage of the BlackBerry platform specific features that are not available on other smartphones in the market. As if that's not enough, the BlackBerry Java Development Environment also provides a full suite of interfaces and utilities, which will enable developers to take advantage of some of the more unique and intriguing features located on the BlackBerry smartphone. And for those developers that are used to a more classic feel, the Eclipse plugin will offer the same set of tools, while allowing them to develop in a familiar atmosphere.

It's important to understand that Blackberry smartphones are Java devices through and through, meaning they were developed from the inside out using Java. Having a better understanding of the environment you're working in will make you a better developer. You may know Java and you may know how to create applications, but if you don't know the ins and outs of the JDE, you may be missing out on extra features that you could be taking full advantage of. As you probably already know, BlackBerry's JDE creates rich client applications that are capable of providing the most flexibility and power, but not only that, they have a broad reach in terms of functionality. Whether your focus is creating fun, new games or serious corporate apps, it can all be done using BlackBerry's Java Development Environment.

Aside from the benefits already discussed, there are even more perks to developing in Java. The Java development environment enables developers to take advantage of every aspect of the BlackBerry smartphone, including the camera and Bluetooth. Amazingly enough, those features can then be seamlessly integrated with already-existing BlackBerry applications such as the address book, GPS, and maps features.

First we will discuss enhancements that have been made to BlackBerry's latest JDE, which is the v4.7, and then we will briefly discuss some of the overall features that JDE offers BlackBerry developers.