Any earlier version of PARTS for Java must be completely removed before the current version can be installed. The CD-ROM has the AUTORUN feature and the Installation Wizard has a checklist of a few optional features. These can be installed later if you choose not to include them during the initial setup. The sections that must be installed are:

I installed on a Cyrix 133 with 32 MB of RAM. Installation went smoothly and took only a couple of minutes. The application ran very well and didn't hang up the machine, as some IDEs occasionally do.

PARTS for Java opens with a Project Manager window, as seen in Figure 1, that acts as the "command center" for the IDE. It's the main window where all the elements of a project are organized. Along the top is a toolbar to launch all PARTS for Java tools.

I thought the Project Manager was nicely laid out, avoiding the confusing multiple-window fiascoes given by some IDEs. The toolbar enables the user to quickly and easily:

The window is divided into two panes. The left pane shows the hierarchical view of a project and subprojects. In the right pane is a report view of the project files currently selected in the left pane. When a project is opened or created, it's added to the left pane. New projects can be created as independent projects or subprojects of existing ones. Projects can be placed under version control. Different versions of a project are stored in a repository and can be retrieved or deleted at any time. A project may be "unversioned" as well.

It's also possible to change the configuration of PARTS for Java from the Project Manager window by selecting Tools-Settings Editor; a two-tab dialog box is displayed. On the System page it's possible to:

When the Visual Designer page tab is clicked, the following options may be selected:

After installation and configuration, PARTS for Java is ready to create new applications. Selecting File-New Project will launch a dialog box. Filling in the appropriate information and clicking OK will add the new project to the Project Manager window.

The Visual Designer: A Complete and Powerful Tool That Has Drop-and-Drag Ease
Selection of a file in the Project Manager window enables you to initiate the Visual Designer. This is an object-oriented development tool that allows quick construction of applications by dropping and dragging prefabricated parts. These parts are displayed in a catalog window and include:

By using the Visual Designer I constructed a user interface for an application in only a few minutes.

The Class Master: When You Need More Complex Operations
The Visual Designer was excellent for rapid-fire development of a basic Java application. Some clients are going to have special needs, however, which may entail highly specialized operations that won't be found in the Visual Designer menu. When such an occasion arises, PARTS for Java has just the solution: the Class Master (see Figure 2). The Class Master opens as a four-pane window:

In addition to the Class Master there's a wide selection of other powerful tools. Among them are:

As you can see, in addition to its ease of use, PARTS for Java is a powerful and professional development tool. If you're looking for the perfect tool for that big project, PARTS for Java is well worth the price.