docs/src/docbkx/introduction/getting-started.xml - gemini.blueprint/org.eclipse.gemini.blueprint - Git at Google

 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
 <!DOCTYPE preface PUBLIC "-//OASIS//DTD DocBook XML V4.4//EN"
                  "http://www.oasis-open.org/docbook/xml/4.4/docbookx.dtd">
 <chapter id="get-started">
     <title>Getting Started</title>

     <para>Learning a new framework is not always straight forward. In this section, we (the Spring DM/Gemini Blueprint team)
     tried to provide, what we think is, an easy to follow guide for starting with Gemini Blueprint.
     Of course, feel free to create your own learning 'path' as you see fit and, if possible, please report back
     any improvements to the documentation that can help others.</para>

     <section id="get-started:first-steps">
 		<title>First Steps</title>

 		<para>As explained in <xref linkend="why-Spring DM"/>, Gemini Blueprint provides integration between
 		Spring framework and OSGi. Thus, it is important to become acquainted with both of these frameworks (libraries or
 		environments depending on how you want to name them). Throughout the Gemini Blueprint documentation, each section provides
 		links to resources relevant however, it is best to become familiar with these topics beforehand.</para>

 		<section id="get-started:first-steps:spring">
 			<title>Knowing Spring</title>
 			<para>Gemini Blueprint uses heavily Spring framework's <ulink url="http://static.springframework.org/spring/docs/2.5.x/reference/spring-core.html">core</ulink> functionalty,
 			such as the <ulink url="http://static.springframework.org/spring/docs/2.5.x/reference/beans.html">IoC</ulink> container,
 			<ulink url="http://static.springframework.org/spring/docs/2.5.x/reference/resources.html">resource</ulink> abstract or
 			<ulink url="http://static.springframework.org/spring/docs/2.5.x/reference/aop.html">AOP</ulink> infrastructure. While it is not important
 			to know the Spring APIs, understanding the concepts behind them is. At a minimum, the idea behind IoC should be familiar.
 			These being said, the more knowledge one has about the Spring, the faster she will pick Gemini Blueprint.
 			Besides the very comprehensive (and sometimes disarming) documentation that explains in detail the Spring Framework,
 			there are a lot of articles, blog entries and books on the matter - take a look at the Spring framework
 			<ulink url="http://www.springsource.org/documentation">home page</ulink> for more information. In general, this should be the starting point for
 			OSGi (or Eclipse plugin) developers wanting to try Gemini Blueprint.</para>
 		</section>
 		<section id="get-started:first-steps:osgi">
 			<title>Knowing OSGi</title>
 			<para>Java developers, new to OSGi, can start by reading the OSGi Alliance <ulink url="http://www.osgi.org/About/HowOSGi">introduction</ulink>,
 			the OSGi <ulink url="http://www.osgi.org/Specifications/HomePage">specifications</ulink> or one of the articles/blogs
 			available on the internet (such as the SpringSource <ulink url="http://blog.springsource.com/category/osgi/">blogs</ulink>).
 			Additionally, the Gemini Blueprint home <ulink url="http://www.springframework.org/osgi">page</ulink> hosts various links to useful materials.
 			</para>
 		</section>
 		<section id="get-started:first-steps:blueprint">
 			<title>Quick start - OSGi 4.2 Blueprint Container</title>
 			<para>As an alternative to the recommended Spring documentation, if OSGi 4.2 is an option, one can read the Blueprint Container specification
 			for a quick introduction to dependency injection and Gemini Blueprint functionality. Note that Blueprint is a subset of Spring and Gemini Blueprint and we recommend
 			the official documentation to get access to the whole set of features.
 			</para>
 		</section>
 		<!--
 		<section id="get-started:first-steps:samples">
 			<title>Trying Out The Samples</title>
 			<para>Once one is familiar with the concepts behind Spring and OSGi, she can start reading the Gemini Blueprint reference documentation (this document) and
 			take the Gemini Blueprint samples for a spin. The samples are available either in the .zip distribution or from the Gemini Blueprint repository.
 			The samples are a convenient way to get started quickly with Gemini Blueprint as they show various features of Gemini Blueprint and help one get pass the
 			initial struggles with OSGi. However, they are not meant as the definitive guide in using OSGi rather, they aim to be a launching pad
 			for "newbies" trying out OSGi in Spring.
 			</para>
 			<para>The current distribution contains:</para>
 			<itemizedlist>
 				<listitem>
 					<para>Simple Service Sample</para>
 					<para>A simple example that illustrates OSGi service publication and consumption through Gemini Blueprint. This is a good starting point
 					for users learning the basics.</para>
 				</listitem>
 				<listitem>
 					<para>Weather Sample</para>
 					<para>A demo that shows more advanced features of Gemini Blueprint and OSGi. The application creates a very simple weather information services
 					presenting some best practices in designing an application to take advantage of the modularity offered by OSGi.</para>
 				</listitem>
 				<listitem>
 					<para>Simple Web App Sample</para>
 					<para>As the name implies, this is a simple web application, containing Servlets, JSPs and JSP tags, that runs inside OSGi through Gemini Blueprint.</para>
 				</listitem>
 				<listitem>
 					<para>Web Console Sample</para>
 					<para>A more complicated sample that demos a Spring MVC annotation based, web application that runs inside OSGi through Gemini Blueprint, featuring
 					class path scanning and various Spring taglib. Additionally, the web application interacts with the OSGi environment through the web UI.</para>
 				</listitem>
 			</itemizedlist>
 			<para>Each project contains instructions regarding its content and startup procedure. Users are encouraged to experiment with the samples to get a better
 			understanding of the technologies used.</para>
 		</section>
 		-->
 	</section>

     <section id="get-started:help">
 		<title>Need Help?</title>

 		<para>If you encounter issues or you are just looking for an advice, feel free to use one of the links below:</para>

 		<section id="get-started:help:community">
   		    <title>Community Support</title>
 			<para>The Gemini Blueprint <ulink url="http://www.eclipse.org/forums/index.php/f/153/">forum</ulink>
 			(and Spring DM previous <ulink url="http://forum.springframework.org/forumdisplay.php?f=43">forum</ulink>) is a message board for all Gemini Blueprint users to
 			share information and help each other. Note that registration is needed <emphasis>only</emphasis> for posting.
 			</para>
 		</section>
 		<section id="get-started:help:professional">
   		    <title>Professional Support</title>
 			<para>Professional, from-the-source support, with guaranteed response time, is available from <ulink url="http://www.springsource.com">SpringSource</ulink>,
 			the company behind Gemini Blueprint and Spring.
 			</para>
 		</section>
     </section>

     <section id="get-started:up-to-date">
 		<title>Following Development</title>

 		<para>For information on the Gemini Blueprint source code repository, nightly builds and snapshot artifacts please see the Gemini Blueprint home
 		<ulink url="http://www.springsource.org/osgi">page</ulink>.
 		</para>
 		<para>You can help make Gemini Blueprint best serve the needs of the Spring community by interacting with developers through the Spring Community
 		<ulink url="http://forum.springsource.org">forums</ulink>.</para>
 		<para>If you encounter a bug or want to suggest an improvement,
 		please create a ticket on the Gemini Blueprint issue <ulink url="http://jira.springframework.org/">tracker</ulink>.</para>
 		<para>To stay up to date with the latest news and announcements in the Spring eco system, subscribe to the
 		Spring Community <ulink url="http://www.springframework.org/">Portal</ulink>.</para>
 		<para>Lastly, you can follow the SpringSource OSGi <ulink url="http://blog.springsource.com/category/osgi/">blog</ulink> or the project team on Twitter
 		(<ulink url="http://twitter.com/adriancolyer">Adrian</ulink>, <ulink url="http://twitter.com/costinl">Costin</ulink>)</para>
 	</section>

 </chapter>
	<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
	<!DOCTYPE preface PUBLIC "-//OASIS//DTD DocBook XML V4.4//EN"
	"http://www.oasis-open.org/docbook/xml/4.4/docbookx.dtd">
	<chapter id="get-started">
	<title>Getting Started</title>

	<para>Learning a new framework is not always straight forward. In this section, we (the Spring DM/Gemini Blueprint team)
	tried to provide, what we think is, an easy to follow guide for starting with Gemini Blueprint.
	Of course, feel free to create your own learning 'path' as you see fit and, if possible, please report back
	any improvements to the documentation that can help others.</para>

	<section id="get-started:first-steps">
	<title>First Steps</title>

	<para>As explained in <xref linkend="why-Spring DM"/>, Gemini Blueprint provides integration between
	Spring framework and OSGi. Thus, it is important to become acquainted with both of these frameworks (libraries or
	environments depending on how you want to name them). Throughout the Gemini Blueprint documentation, each section provides
	links to resources relevant however, it is best to become familiar with these topics beforehand.</para>

	<section id="get-started:first-steps:spring">
	<title>Knowing Spring</title>
	<para>Gemini Blueprint uses heavily Spring framework's <ulink url="http://static.springframework.org/spring/docs/2.5.x/reference/spring-core.html">core</ulink> functionalty,
	such as the <ulink url="http://static.springframework.org/spring/docs/2.5.x/reference/beans.html">IoC</ulink> container,
	<ulink url="http://static.springframework.org/spring/docs/2.5.x/reference/resources.html">resource</ulink> abstract or
	<ulink url="http://static.springframework.org/spring/docs/2.5.x/reference/aop.html">AOP</ulink> infrastructure. While it is not important
	to know the Spring APIs, understanding the concepts behind them is. At a minimum, the idea behind IoC should be familiar.
	These being said, the more knowledge one has about the Spring, the faster she will pick Gemini Blueprint.
	Besides the very comprehensive (and sometimes disarming) documentation that explains in detail the Spring Framework,
	there are a lot of articles, blog entries and books on the matter - take a look at the Spring framework
	<ulink url="http://www.springsource.org/documentation">home page</ulink> for more information. In general, this should be the starting point for
	OSGi (or Eclipse plugin) developers wanting to try Gemini Blueprint.</para>
	</section>
	<section id="get-started:first-steps:osgi">
	<title>Knowing OSGi</title>
	<para>Java developers, new to OSGi, can start by reading the OSGi Alliance <ulink url="http://www.osgi.org/About/HowOSGi">introduction</ulink>,
	the OSGi <ulink url="http://www.osgi.org/Specifications/HomePage">specifications</ulink> or one of the articles/blogs
	available on the internet (such as the SpringSource <ulink url="http://blog.springsource.com/category/osgi/">blogs</ulink>).
	Additionally, the Gemini Blueprint home <ulink url="http://www.springframework.org/osgi">page</ulink> hosts various links to useful materials.
	</para>
	</section>
	<section id="get-started:first-steps:blueprint">
	<title>Quick start - OSGi 4.2 Blueprint Container</title>
	<para>As an alternative to the recommended Spring documentation, if OSGi 4.2 is an option, one can read the Blueprint Container specification
	for a quick introduction to dependency injection and Gemini Blueprint functionality. Note that Blueprint is a subset of Spring and Gemini Blueprint and we recommend
	the official documentation to get access to the whole set of features.
	</para>
	</section>
	<!--
	<section id="get-started:first-steps:samples">
	<title>Trying Out The Samples</title>
	<para>Once one is familiar with the concepts behind Spring and OSGi, she can start reading the Gemini Blueprint reference documentation (this document) and
	take the Gemini Blueprint samples for a spin. The samples are available either in the .zip distribution or from the Gemini Blueprint repository.
	The samples are a convenient way to get started quickly with Gemini Blueprint as they show various features of Gemini Blueprint and help one get pass the
	initial struggles with OSGi. However, they are not meant as the definitive guide in using OSGi rather, they aim to be a launching pad
	for "newbies" trying out OSGi in Spring.
	</para>
	<para>The current distribution contains:</para>
	<itemizedlist>
	<listitem>
	<para>Simple Service Sample</para>
	<para>A simple example that illustrates OSGi service publication and consumption through Gemini Blueprint. This is a good starting point
	for users learning the basics.</para>
	</listitem>
	<listitem>
	<para>Weather Sample</para>
	<para>A demo that shows more advanced features of Gemini Blueprint and OSGi. The application creates a very simple weather information services
	presenting some best practices in designing an application to take advantage of the modularity offered by OSGi.</para>
	</listitem>
	<listitem>
	<para>Simple Web App Sample</para>
	<para>As the name implies, this is a simple web application, containing Servlets, JSPs and JSP tags, that runs inside OSGi through Gemini Blueprint.</para>
	</listitem>
	<listitem>
	<para>Web Console Sample</para>
	<para>A more complicated sample that demos a Spring MVC annotation based, web application that runs inside OSGi through Gemini Blueprint, featuring
	class path scanning and various Spring taglib. Additionally, the web application interacts with the OSGi environment through the web UI.</para>
	</listitem>
	</itemizedlist>
	<para>Each project contains instructions regarding its content and startup procedure. Users are encouraged to experiment with the samples to get a better
	understanding of the technologies used.</para>
	</section>
	-->
	</section>

	<section id="get-started:help">
	<title>Need Help?</title>

	<para>If you encounter issues or you are just looking for an advice, feel free to use one of the links below:</para>

	<section id="get-started:help:community">
	<title>Community Support</title>
	<para>The Gemini Blueprint <ulink url="http://www.eclipse.org/forums/index.php/f/153/">forum</ulink>
	(and Spring DM previous <ulink url="http://forum.springframework.org/forumdisplay.php?f=43">forum</ulink>) is a message board for all Gemini Blueprint users to
	share information and help each other. Note that registration is needed <emphasis>only</emphasis> for posting.
	</para>
	</section>
	<section id="get-started:help:professional">
	<title>Professional Support</title>
	<para>Professional, from-the-source support, with guaranteed response time, is available from <ulink url="http://www.springsource.com">SpringSource</ulink>,
	the company behind Gemini Blueprint and Spring.
	</para>
	</section>
	</section>

	<section id="get-started:up-to-date">
	<title>Following Development</title>

	<para>For information on the Gemini Blueprint source code repository, nightly builds and snapshot artifacts please see the Gemini Blueprint home
	<ulink url="http://www.springsource.org/osgi">page</ulink>.
	</para>
	<para>You can help make Gemini Blueprint best serve the needs of the Spring community by interacting with developers through the Spring Community
	<ulink url="http://forum.springsource.org">forums</ulink>.</para>
	<para>If you encounter a bug or want to suggest an improvement,
	please create a ticket on the Gemini Blueprint issue <ulink url="http://jira.springframework.org/">tracker</ulink>.</para>
	<para>To stay up to date with the latest news and announcements in the Spring eco system, subscribe to the
	Spring Community <ulink url="http://www.springframework.org/">Portal</ulink>.</para>
	<para>Lastly, you can follow the SpringSource OSGi <ulink url="http://blog.springsource.com/category/osgi/">blog</ulink> or the project team on Twitter
	(<ulink url="http://twitter.com/adriancolyer">Adrian</ulink>, <ulink url="http://twitter.com/costinl">Costin</ulink>)</para>
	</section>

	</chapter>