What you need to know to create Java EE applications

The previous post gave you an idea of what a Java EE application is and how it fits with the other elements of a complete solution. To take advantage of what the platform has to offer and start building Java EE applications quickly, you need to be somewhat familiar with a few other technologies, such as the following:

- Java SE: You need to be comfortable writing and running Java SE programs. You need to understand the basics of the Java platform: what the virtual machine is, the process for compiling, packaging, and running a Java SE program, and how to use the main Java SE packages in your programs. Although it will help you, being an expert in Java SE is not required to build Java EE applications. We will see why in future posts.

- HTML and CSS: If you want to create applications that are accessed by clients using a web browser, you have to design their interface as HTML pages that are included in your Java EE application. A working knowledge of HTML will help you design these interfaces faster.

- Javascript: For web applications, Javascript enables you to create a more interactive experience for your users by responding to user interface events without reloading pages and by using new features such as the WebSocket protocol.

- The HTTP protocol: Understanding the basics of how the HTTP protocol works helps you make use of some of the features provided by the Java EE APIs when building web applications.

- SQL/Databases: You need to know the basics of database systems and SQL to store and organize the data managed by your application. Java EE provides tools and APIs so that you don't have to deal with database systems directly in your application, but you will benefit from understanding how they work and how to use them at a basic level.

- IDE: You need to be familiar with how to use an Integrated Development Environment. An IDE simplifies developing, packaging, and testing Java EE applications and makes you more productive.

There are plenty of resources available online to learn about these technologies. You will see how these technologies come into play when we build some example applications in future posts.