ThinkUI Logo
Bending Time and Space for the Lazy Developer. ThinkUI SQL Client About Us | Download | Register | Links | Services | Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are answers to some of the common questions that we have received.
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us.

Questions & Answers
Q: I'm having problem installing the software on <platform X>. Can you help me? A: Please refer to the README.TXT file for installation instructions. If you are still having problem please email support@thinkui.com with a detailed description of your problem and we will try our best to get back to you.
Q: Why build yet another Java SQL client? Aren't there enough of them out there? A: Yes there a lot of SQL clients out there. However, our SQL client is designed specifically for Java developers to help with their daily work. Since we leave out features typically only useful for database administrators, the user interface is more simplified. This allows developers to quicky access commonly used features such as browsing the database model, performing data entry, and generating high quality Java code from custom templates.
Q: How can I customize the Java code currently generated. Where's the API and how can I get help? A: You can customize the generated code by editing the Velocity templates found in the "template" folder. We plan to provide some documentation on the available API in version 1.0 of the software. Please contact us if you wish to purchase support or request custom development work.
Q: What databases do you support? Why can't you support all databases that provide a JDBC driver? A: The list of currently supported database are listed here. We provide basic support for all databases that provides a JDBC 3.0 driver. However, there may be some functionality (i.e. SQL code generation) that will not work perfectly.
Q: What kind of artifacts can does the software generate? Can I add my own code generator? A: The software generates a wide range of artifacts from Java Beans, DAOs, JSPs, SQL, etc. However, currently the list is fixed and cannot be expanded by the user. Please contact us if there is an artifact you wish to see included in the next release.
Q: How does the tool work? Do you make the source available? A: The tool uses the database meta data as the starting point for defining a data class. Once a data class is defined, it can be enhanced with additional information (added manually). You can use the data class to generate a variety of artifacts. In fact, you do even need to have a database to use the software. You can create the data class manually and generated code from that data class. Currently, we do not plan to make the source publicly available. Please contact us if you wish to obtain a source level license.
Q: How do I receive a software license for the Community Edition? What are the benefits of registering? A: To obtain a license for the software you must register. Registering is quick and easy and FREE. By registering, you help us to get to know our user community better. As a benefit, you will also receive access to additional documentation, tutorials, email suport, and the ability to submit bug reports and feature requests.
Q: Who owns the rights to the generated code? How can you afford to provide free software? A: All rights to the generated code belongs to the user. We provide a free license for the software to all registered users. Users are registered on an individual basis. If you wish to acquire a site license, please contact us. We are providing the tool for free in hope of receiving business from our users in the form of support, consultation, and custom template development. If you like our software, please help spread the word for us!
Q: The generated code seem to be dependent on some framework. How can I get more information on that framework? A: The framework is currently for internal use only. The provided templates are intended to be examples only (they won't compile without the dependent class library).
Q: Are you planning a Professional Edition? If so, what would it cost? Why would I want to purchase a license? A: Depending on user feedback, we may also develop a Professional Edition. When you purchace a Professional Edition (price not yet determined), you will receive: 6 month user support, a binary license to redistribute the ThinkUI J2EE/Swing/DAO framework (with no royalty fees), as well as some additional features.
Q: Can your toolset use JDOM to extract information from XML files and generate JAVA code? A: No. Current the tool can only generate code based on database meta and table row data. However, we are considering to add such a feature to the future Professional Edition.

File: faq.bhtml Last Modified: August 9, 2008