TclBlend

SCCS: @(#) README.tclblend 1.7 97/10/21 16:25:29

1. Introduction
---------------

TclBlend provides two new capabilities to the Tcl system.  First, 
TclBlend provides Java classes that expose key pieces of the 
interfaces that are available to extension writers who currently
use C.  Using these classes, extension writers can create new 
commands for the Tcl interpreter.  In addition, TclBlend provides 
commands that allow script writers to directly manipulate Java 
objects without having to write any Java code.  The reflection 
classes in JDK 1.1 make it possible to invoke methods and access 
fields on arbitrary objects.  TclBlend takes advantage of these 
capabilities to provide a dynamic interface to Java.

2. Documentation
----------------

The best way to get started with TclBlend is to look at the demos 
provided in this release.  Also, look at the SunScript homepage 
for a white paper outlining the basics of TclBlend.

3. Requirements
---------------

Tcl8.0 and the Java Development Kit 1.1 or greater is required.

For building TclBlend on Solaris the Native Threads Pack, and 
several patches, must be installed on top of JDK1.1.4.  The 
package, necessary patches, and installation instructions can 
be found at http://www.javasoft.com/products/jdk/1.1/index.html.

4. Installation
---------------

Change to the "unix" subdirectory if you're compiling under UNIX,
or "win" if you're compiling under Windows.  Then follow the 
instructions in the README file in that directory for compiling 
Tcl, installing it, and running the test suite.

5. License Agreement
---------------------

See the file "license.terms" for information on usage and 
redistribution of this file, and for a DISCLAIMER OF ALL WARRANTIES.

6. Contact Information
----------------------

SunScript home page:  http://sunscript.sun.com
Email: Ray.Johnson@eng.sun.com

7. Tcl newsgroup
----------------

There is a network news group "comp.lang.tcl" intended for the exchange
of information about Tcl, Tk, and related applications.  Feel free to use
the newsgroup both for general information questions and for bug reports.
We read the newsgroup and will attempt to fix bugs and problems reported
to it.

8. Support and bug fixes
------------------------

We're very interested in receiving bug reports and suggestions for
improvements.  We prefer that you send this information to the
comp.lang.tcl newsgroup rather than to any of us at Sun.  We'll see
anything on comp.lang.tcl, and in addition, someone else who reads
comp.lang.tcl may be able to offer a solution.  The normal turn-around
time for bugs is 3-6 weeks.

When reporting bugs, please provide a short Tcl script that we can use
to reproduce the bug.  Make sure that the script runs with bare-bones
Tcl and doesn't depend on any extensions or other programs,
particularly those that exist only at your site.  Also, please include
three additional pieces of information with the script:
    (a) How do we use the script to make the problem happen (e.g.
	what things do we click on, in what order)?
    (b) What happens when you do these things (presumably this is
        undesirable)?
    (c) What did you expect to happen instead?

The Jacl & Tcl Blend team
-------------------------

Ray Johnson - Project Manager
Melissa Hirschl
Ioi Lam
Bryan Surles
Special thanks to Scott Stanton who implemented Tcl Blend.

