Developing Your DataBlade Module

Developing your DataBlade module is an iterative process that involves creating objects in BladeSmith, generating code, editing and compiling code, and testing and debugging code. When you identify errors, you must repeat the process to correct errors. DataBlade development can be iterative in another way: you can create objects in BladeSmith one by one, coding and testing each one before creating the next. When you are finished developing your DataBlade module, you package it for distribution.

To create your DataBlade module

Create a project in BladeSmith.
See Creating a New Project for more information.
Define the contents of your DataBlade module in BladeSmith.
See Creating DataBlade Module Objects for more information.
Generate DataBlade module code in BladeSmith.
See Generating Files for more information.
Edit and compile DataBlade module code.
See Editing and Compiling DataBlade Module Code for more information.
Debug your DataBlade module code.
See Debugging Your DataBlade Module for more information.
Repeat steps 2 through 5 until your DataBlade module is complete and the code functions properly.
Test your DataBlade module code.
Run generated functional test scripts on UNIX or on Windows with a UNIX emulation program. For instructions for UNIX, see Performing Functional Tests. For instructions for Windows, see Performing Functional Tests on DataBlade Modules.
If necessary, repeat steps 4 through 7 until your DataBlade module is complete and the code functions properly.
Package your DataBlade module with BladePack.

The following diagram illustrates the basic steps in DataBlade module development and lists the tools you use for Windows, UNIX, and Java.