What is the z2-Environment?

 

Z2 is a framework that allows Java software development without build and deployment. It can be used for command line applications as well as a complete server environment.

Z2 dramatically simplifies software logistics in team application development and when operating and supporting distributed multi-component applications.

 

Z2 comes as distributions that share common base functionalities such as:

  • A Simple but extensible component model. Components in z2 are for example Web applications, Java modules, Datasource configuration.

  • A Component Repository implementation that can synchronize from Subversion repositories as well as from a file system

  • Pre-integrated Jetty Web Container

 

How Z2 works

Please check out the anatomy article for an overview on how Z2 actually does its magic.

Spend some time browsing through the complete documentation to learn more about the details.

 

Futher readings

How to develop using Z2:

For now please see Develop with z2 and read the Scenarios section in z2_intro_complete

Using Spring with Z2:

A distribution featuring the popular spring framework is available here: z2@Spring.

Software Logistics with Z2:

Change management in Z2 is based on transport of repository content modifications. The secion Change Management in the Anatomy document explains the basic flow.

Please also read the Scenarios section in z2_intro_complete

Embedded Z2:

The z2 Environment can be used embedded. That means, that any Java program can start a z2 environment in-process and lookup components from a z2 Home installation. This is particularly useful when process starting is not under your control, as for e.g. in the case of Hadoop Jobs. Although your program gets started with very little assumptions on the environment around you, using z2 embedded it can switch to a rich component view that provides all types and configuration you defined externally - independently of Hadoop. See also ProcessRunner.

z2 Javadoc Documentation

The z2 system provides its own Javadoc documentation on demand.

The z2@base Javadoc documentation can be accessed here: z2@base Javadocs.

Reference Documentation

Complete documentation is available here as HTML or PDF.