Peer-to-peer (P2P) networking is undoubtedly one of the most touted topics of the day. The popularity achieved by applications like Napster and Gnutella provides testimony to the potentials of peer-to-peer applications. Amid the plethora of efforts going on in this domain, Sun Microsystems initiated Jxta, a network computing platform for P2P application development. This article explores P2P and the Jxta effort in particular. It serves as an introduction to all early adopters, programmers, and hobbyists who wish to develop P2P applications. (4,100 words; October 19, 2001)
The best way to learn about any new technology is through experimentation, and Jxta is no exception. The Jxta shell, a 100 percent Java implementation, allows you to experiment with Jxta, Sun's network computing platform for peer-to-peer development. The shell provides interactive access to the Jxta environment, allowing you to explore the power of the new technology without actually getting to the APIs and code. It provides a compelling starting point for any wanna-be Jxta developer. The first installment of this two-part series offers a quick introduction to the Jxta shell. It serves as a primer for installation, configuration, and basic shell commands. (3,000 words; January 11, 2002)
