Platypus - a RAD Tool for Enhydra

Platypus extends the Enhydra application server environment to allow more rapid development of Web applications. The Platypus tools generate much of the presentation layer based on HTML/XML pages and configuration files. Skeleton code for the corresponding business objects are also generated. Platypus extends and genericizes the code generation done in DODS and provides several utility classes.

Platypus is an Open SourceTM project, and is available under the GNU LGPL license.

This document serves as an introduction to Platypus, and a reference resource for developers using Platypus. The latest version of this document is available at Plugged In Software (http://www.PIsoftware.com/).

Please note: this document assumes the reader is familiar with Enhydra.

Overview
Introduces the app used in the tutorial, and workflows.
Introduces the three layer structure.
Introduces the classes generated by Platypus.
Introduces some Platypus terminology.
Case Studies
Gives real world examples of businesses using Enhydra and Platypus.
Tutorial
Illustrates how the Platypus tools are used to develop an app.
The code for this tutorial is available via cvsweb, a great tool that can show colored diffs of the files at various stages of development.
Platypus Tools
Describes Platypus tools in detail.
Describes interfaces between classes generated by Platypus.
Describes naming conventions.
Lists changes to Enhydra conventions in Platypus.
Platypus Javadoc
Javadoc on the Platypus classes and packages.
Hints
Describes how we use Platypus in practice. (Not like the tutorial!)
Gives useful hints on Platypus, Enhydra, anything relevant.
Road Map
Describes how we envisage developing Platypus.
Known Bugs
Lists known bugs.
Gives contact details for reporting, discussing and patching bugs.
Doco in Progress
Lists items to be incorporated into documentation.
Downloading
Gives sites from which Platypus can be downloaded.