To many developers, Java ME (Java Micro Edition) programming is all about creating small applications that work within environments that are very limited when compared to conventional Java SE (Java Standard Edition) desktop and server systems.

Most mobile phones on the market today support the configuration known as the Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC), which is very limited when compared to Java SE. This has led to the perception that Java ME is a tiny, inadequate environment for serious application development, although the breadth of applications available today for CLDC platforms proves that this is merely a perception, not a reality. But Java ME also defines a second configuration, the Connected Device Configuration (CDC) that incorporates more of the features and richness of Java SE to provide Java ME developers with an environment much closer to Java SE than the CLDC. In fact, the CDC can be viewed as the natural evolution of PersonalJava, an earlier constrained Java programming environment that was a precursor to Java ME and available on the Sony Ericsson P800/P900/P910 smartphones.

Getting started with Java ME CDC development This new getting-started guide summarizes the important concepts introduced by Java ME, including configurations, profiles and optional packages. It looks more closely at the CDC and the profiles (including the Personal Profile) that are built on top of the CDC and describes the basic development process for writing and testing CDC applications. Download document here>> Migration from PersonalJava The paper also provides specific details about the development of applications for the Symbian OS-based P990 and M600 phones, which are the two Sony Ericsson phones supporting CDC development. Those developers that have previously been using PersonalJava (or pJava), supported on the Sony Ericsson P800/P900/P910, may be interested in the section of the document covering migration from the PersonalJava environment to the Personal Profile. The paper pays special attention on how to access the File System, demonstrating how to read and write files, and how to access the PIM System, demonstrating how to read and write contacts, addresses, and other PIM-based information.

Programming for Sony Ericsson's P990 and M600 mobile phones
This guide introduces you to CDC-based Java ME development with the Sony Ericsson P990 and M600 phones. No prior development experience with Java ME is necessary, but you do need a firm understanding of the Java language and general familiarity with the features of the Java SE platform.

Even if you're already familiar with Java ME or have programmed with PersonalJava, you'll need to pay close attention to the features and limitations of CDC-based environments. After reading this technical special interest paper, you'll be able to write simple CDC-based applications for Sony Ericsson's P990 and M600 phones.

More information:

• Download Java ME CDC getting-started guide>>
• Join CDC and PersonalJava discussion forum>>
• Sony Ericsson P990>>
• Sony Ericsson M600>>