Compare and Contrast (Wap/Wml) and Java 2 Platform Micro Edition (J2Me)

(WAP/WML) and Java 2 platform Micro Edition (J2ME) architectures CSS 422 Compare and Contrast (WAP/WML) and Java 2 platform Micro Edition (J2ME) As technology is changing there are new ways to develop programs for the many types of mobile networked devices. Wireless application protocol (WAP) and Wireless markup language (WML), which work together to design and architect an application to be sent to wireless mobile devices for users to download and enjoy. The Java 2 platform micro edition (J2ME) is a more extensive platform that is used in designing wireless applications. Wireless Application Protocol The Wireless Application Protocol is a technical standard for accessing information over a wireless mobile network. This type of browser is used for mobile devices like cell phones. You can access such things as sports, public media information, political information, news, music, etc. (Mahmoud, 2002) WAP is based exceedingly on the web programming model, which allows the user/developer to design and architect a program inside a browser to enter information. The web pages are written in the Hyper Text Markup Language (HTTP). (Mackenzie & Sharkey, 2001) Comparing A developer can design a low-level program that allows a user to access simple programs such as games. A developer can also use the web programming model to make programs that are highly functional by having a program within a program. This is called Dynamic HTML (DHTML). DHTML allows another web page to change without having to wait for the server. Contrasting There are downfalls to WAP and the reasons are; just as the DHTML allows another web page to load without having to wait for the server. On the other hand, the standard of HTML is, once a web page is loaded from the server, it will not change until another request comes from the server. This takes more time away from the user, since they must wait for request from the server. Wireless Markup Language Wireless markup language is based on XML, which is a set of rules for encoding documents into computer-readable language. Previously called Handheld Devices Markup Language (HDML), is a markup language which is intended for devices that implement the Wireless application protocol qualifications, such as, the mobile devices. Comparing The comparison between the WML and the WAP are important, because the two work together as; the Wireless Markup Language is intended for devices that function with the wireless application protocol. Like HTML, WML provides data input, navigational support, and hyperlinks. Contrasting There is a big difference between WML and J2ME, because the Java 2 platform provides much more memory than WML. This may be a concern for Wireless Markup Language, because there could be a point that J2ME will contain more memory, and WML will be something of the past. This has happened with other stages in technology, such as Java going from HTTP to HTML. Java 2 Platform Micro Edition (J2ME) The Java 2 platform micro edition (J2ME) is an embedded system that operates on smartphones, PDA’s, and user appliances. The J2ME devices implement a profile called Mobile Information Device Profile. MIDP allows a user to write downloadable applications and services for network connected devices such as the devices listed above. When MIDP is combined with Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC) they create the special run-time environment that is on the latest mobile devices. (Oracle, 2011) Comparing Combining MIDP and CLDC they provide the core functions needed for mobile applications. If these two devices did not work together the services they provide would not be available to our mobile gadgets. Contrasting Unlike WAP/WML, J2ME uses a K Virtual Machine, which is a specialized virtual machine to interpret support for devices with limited retention. The virtual support along with the CLDC/MIDP makes the implementation superior to the WAP’s/WML’s. Conclusion As technology grows and changes so do the ways developers use their programming language to design new wireless applications for wireless mobile devices. It is exciting to see how far technology has come in the way wireless devices are made to use the simple and extensive wireless applications. References: Mackenzie, D. , Sharkey, K. (2001, 20 August). InformIT: Building the user interface with web forms. Retrieved August 7, 2011 from http://www. informit. com/articles/article. aspx? p=131102 Mahmoud, Q. (2002, February). Oracle: J2ME, MIDP, and WAP complementary technologies. Retrieved August 6, 2011 from http://developers. sun. com/mobility/midp/articles/midpwap/ Oracle. (2011). Mobile information device profile: (MIDP). Retrieved August 6, 2011 from http://www. oracle. com/technetwork/java/index-jsp-138820. html