Use URL resources within an application

Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) applications can use Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) by looking up references to logically named URL connection factories through the java:comp/env/url subcontext, which is declared in the application deployment descriptor and mapped to installation specific URL resources.

Overview

As in the case of other J2EE resources, this can be done in order to eliminate the need for the application to hard code references to external resources. The process is the same used with other J2EE resources, such as JDBC objects and JavaMail sessions.

Procedure

1. Develop an application that relies on naming features.

2. Define resource references while assembling your application. A URL resource that uses a built-in protocol, such as HTTP, FTP, or file, can use the default URL provider. URL resources that use other protocols need to use a custom URL provider.

3. Configure your URL resources within an application.

   1. Open the administrative console.

   2. Click Resources>URL in the console navigation tree.

   3. Click either URL Providers or URLs to modify the appropriate resource.

4. Optional: Configure URL providers and URLs within an application client using the Application Client Resource Configuration Tool (ACRCT).

5. Manage URL providers and URL resources used by the deployed application. To update or remove existing URL configurations:

   1. Open the administrative console.

   2. Click Resources > URL in the console navigation tree.

   3. Click either URL Providers or URLs to modify the appropriate resource.

   4. Select the URL to modify.

   5. Modify the URL properties.

   6. Click Apply or OK.

   To remove URL providers and URLs, after step 2, click URL_provider > URLs. Select the URL you want to remove and click Delete. Then, click Apply or OK.

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