Available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Solaris, NetBeans IDE 6.5 Beta extends its dynamic language support to now include PHP! Mix in improved JavaScript development features, with client-side debugging within FireFox and Internet Explorer browsers, along with HTML and CSS support, and you have a first class environment for server- and client-side web application development. What about Ruby and Rails? Check out our support for Rails 2.1.0 and improved support for the Rake build tool.

Most applications, whether written in Java, PHP, or otherwise, have a need to work with a database, so we’ve made numerous enhancements in this area. The Database Explorer allows you to make connections, view/edit schemas, and query your DB. We now have SQL editor code completion, SQL history to view/insert statements, and the ability to quickly insert custom snippets / queries.

Compare this Beta against your current PHP / JavaScript / Ruby IDE or text editor. We’ve worked very hard to offer support that IDE users expect, including support for various SCMs, refactoring, code intelligent editor, and FTP support, but with a responsiveness and small download size (starting at 18MB) that text editors possess.

For those developing C/C++ applications, eliminate extra steps to move and rebuild by using the remote development features in this Beta.

With Java support, did we stop with the recent NetBeans plugin in the JavaFX SDK? We were just getting started! New support for Groovy and Grails, compile-on-save / deploy-on-change, and enhancements for Spring, Hibernate, JSF, and JPA. GlassFish v3 Prelude, which is small, fast, and modular using OSGi, is also included. You’ll be amazed at how fast this container is.

Using Eclipse? Take NetBeans 6.5 Beta for a spin by utilizing the Eclipse Project Importer.

Run into a bug or want to file an RFE? Let us know! Questions? Join and participate in the NetBeans community.

Most importantly- code smart, and code well.

Today at EuroPython 2008, Ted Leung (Dynamic Languages & Tools Architect at Sun) and Frank Wierzbicki (Jython Project Lead working at Sun) announced that the NetBeans IDE will be supporting Python and Jython in future releases. The latest release, NetBeans IDE 6.1, is already multilingual- supporting Java, C/C++, JavaScript, and Ruby/JRuby. In addition, the latest milestone build, NetBeans 6.5 M1, features support for PHP developers.

Python is not new to Sun- with a long history of use, including with the new Image Packaging System (IPS) utilized in OpenSolaris OS. Python is available, today, for OpenSolaris 2008.05 via its pkg.opensolaris.org repository and in Cool Stack for Solaris 10 systems. With our recent history of engagement with the Ruby/JRuby and Rails communities, we look forward in increasing our participation in the Python communities.

At the core of the effort to bring Python/Jython support to the NetBeans IDE, is the formation of the NBPython Project, led by community member Allan Davis. For developers wishing to contribute, sign up for the development mailing list.

In addition, the Sun Developer Network (SDN) is also launching the Python Developer Center and is planning to feature Python/Jython technologies in future Sun Tech Days events, a 15-city world tour designed to educate developers in local markets on various technologies.

The NetBeans community has always been focused on a simple goal- to provide a superior development environment that assists users in creating high-quality applications in less time. With 80% user growth in the past 12 months and numerous industry accolades, including the Jolt Award for Best Development Environment and Developer.com’s Best Development Tool recognition, the hallmark ease-of-use quality within the NetBeans IDE is making progress towards this goal. From SOA functionality, including the Composite Application Service Assembly Editor and BPEL and XSLT Designers, to the Swing GUI Builder (formerly Project Matisse), the NetBeans IDE provides numerous visual editors to simplify desktop, web, enterprise, and mobile application development. Add in the Database Explorer, and n-tier development has never been easier.

While being a leader in the Java community, the NetBeans IDE has extended its ease-of-use functionality to other languages including Ruby/JRuby, C/C++, JavaScript, and with the recent arrival of NetBeans IDE 6.1, a preview version of PHP tooling. Combined with functionality provided by NetBeans partners, such as iReport (graphical report tool) from JasperSoft and codeBeamer (ALM solution) from Intland Software, NetBeans users have a complete, productive, environment.

With the advent of Ruby/JRuby support in recent NetBeans releases, we have received a lot of encouraging feedback with our entry into dynamic language tooling. From NetBeans to Glassfish to OpenSolaris 2008.05, Sun works to provide a superior systems-based platform for developers to deliver their innovations.

We’re just getting started with Ruby and will shortly be announcing a NetBeans community effort around another dynamic language- so stay tuned!

I am retiring my first go at blogging and starting this one up, with renewed energy and my very own domain. I’m passionate about technology, including software development, as well as sports and my family.

My father worked in the computer field at companies like Singer/Link, Sun Microsystems, and now at Apple, Inc. From when he first brought home an Apple II Plus and I started to see what I could do with Logo and Basic, I became interested in computer technology. I’ve gone from systems programming at Apple and creating web applications during the Web 1.0 build-out to where I am today- product marketing of developer tools (NetBeans, Sun Studio software) and Linux community relations at Sun Microsystems. More here and at my Sun bio.

The infinite power of our imaginations are only limited by the technologies we have to implement them. This is what makes the progress of technology so interesting.