Java Agents in Lotus Notes 8.5.1 Designer

I installed the updated Lotus 8.5.1 Client (Basic, Designer and Admin) a couple of weeks ago, and I really like it.  Designer loads quicker and also loads applications quicker - two time-intensive items in prior releases.

The thing I really love about this release is that it defaulted to the Eclipse perspective in Designer.  It felt like coming home again! 

One major impact when creating a Java agent is that the classes are actually listed in different files (which is really as it should be).  Previously, all the classes would be listed in a continuous view with separations between them. 

Here are a few of the features that I really like while coding Java in Lotus Notes:

• Context-sensitive auto-complete - this is great for a quick and sloppy typist like me.  With the case-sensitive nature of Java, this is so helpful.  Just start typing, and it will catch up with you and give you a list of choices.
• Self-Formatting - When you have typed some code, just press [ctrl][shift]-F and the braces and indents are all done perfectly.  To change the formatting rules, go to File | Preferences | Java | Code Style | Formatting.  All sorts of options are here for you to work with.
• Organizing Imports - Many best practices approaches suggest including only the imports you need.  For instance, you should not use "import java.util.*;" but "import java.util.TreeSet; import java.util.Iterator;" which indicates all the classes from other packages you are using.  Just press [ctrl][shift]-O, and presto! - the imports are all correct.
• Refactoring - Imagine that you want to change the name of a class or variable.  Just double-click on an occurrence of that name, right-click and select Refactor | Rename.  All of the references to this type or field name are changed throughout the code - amazing time-saver.  There are a lot of other refactoring options here too.
• Surround With - this is a tool with terrific time-saving potential.  Select some code, then Source | Surround With, and you have options to put the code in an if statement, a try-catch block and many other options.

One thing to remember if you are trying to modify the trigger or target of the agent - once the list of classes in the agent is open, focus on one of the classes, and the properties box at the bottom has all the options you could ever want.

For those who are used to the Domino Designer perspective, I encourage you to take the plunge and try the Eclipse perspective.  It will grow on you and you will wonder how you ever survived with the Designer perspective.  It's kind of like the R4.5 workspace - time to say goodbye so you can be ready for bigger and better things!

Major John Cunard - A Tribute

Today I mourn a man I never met. 

Major Cunard died Saturday night at age 86.  He served passionately as a pastor with his wife for decades, built the kingdom of God and served out of a burden for the souls of men.

But his greatest legacy is found in the list of his survivors.  Along with many grandchildren (one who works a few doors down the hall from me) and a handful of great-grandchildren, he leaves behind five daughters with their respective husbands.

Five daughters were raised, loved and nurtured by him through the decades.  Five daughters saw an example of faith and faithfulness through good times and bad.  Five daughters, who, in contrast to this age of skepticism and doubt, love and serve God.

This, to me, is the finest lasting tribute, and the best true measure of John's success as a man.  The professional accomplishments of Major Cunard will fade, but his legacy as a man of God is found in the faith of his children.

King Solomon once said, "Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."  Even though Solomon was talking about sons, I believe, like it did for John Cunard, the blessing can come from having a quiver full of daughters. 

I am convinced that John indeed was blessed, and his blessing continues now as he enters heaven.

I write this, not only as a man who seeks this kind of blessing, but also one who has two daughters of my own.  I love seeing them develop in their faith and faithfulness to God.

Five daughters - what a legacy and blessing!  God bless you each as you mourn and lean on each other.  Let your healing tears comfort you as you miss your Mom and Dad and remember their impact on you and your families.

Even though I never met Major John Cunard, I look forward to receiving my 40% portion of his blessings.