JMX in Action [Paperback]

Benjamin G Sullins (Author), Mark B Whipple (Author), Benjamin G. Sullins (Author), Mark Whipple (Author)

Book Description

Series: In Action series | Publication Date: September 1, 2002

Covering the Java Management Extensions specification, this guide teaches programmers how JMX can provide robust management and monitoring capabilities for Java and non-Java resources including hardware. Going beyond covering the API, real-life examples and useful code are demonstrated in detail. In addition to describing the JMX specification, it provides techniques for using and extending the functionality provided by a JMX system. More specifically, included are all types of Mbeans, resources for working with JMX agents, in-depth chapters covering the JMX agent services, and ways to combine JMX with other Java technologies. Also included are chapters on using JMX with Enterprise Java Beans (EJB) and the Java Message Service (JMS) and examples of JMX adapters that can be used in applications such as TCP adapters and JINI adapters. In addition, the book contains several utility classes that will make JMX application development easier and techniques for extending certain JMX services to provide additional functionality.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Benjamin G. Sullins is a senior-level Java developer with experience in both server- and client-side Java. Currently, he works with JSP and XML to develop collaborative online applications. He lives in Dallas, Texas. Mark B. Whipple is a software developer who has worked extensively with networked applications, including monitoring applications utilizing SNMP and, more recently, JMX. He has been a member of several standards bodies, including the Internet Engineering Taskforce (IETF). He lives in Dallas, Texas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 424 pages
• Publisher: Manning Publications (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930110561
• ISBN-13: 978-1930110564
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #800,227 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The best way to get started with JMX, October 21, 2002

By 

Kyle G. Brown (Apex, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JMX in Action (Paperback)

Finally, a JMX book you'll love! Unlike other JMX books I've read (even those purporting to be based on "Real-world" experience) this book is firmly grounded with examples and explanations as to why JMX is useful and necessary.

Starting from the first chapter (which is the best architectural overview of JMX I've read) the authors provide clear, easy-to-understand explanations of both the how and the why of JMX. The code examples are readable and clearly explained (the authors specifically call out the relevant parts of each example) making you want to grab an editor and start coding!

They cover all of the major parts of JMX very well, including details on each of the different types of Mbeans. Likewise, their coverage of JMX notification is the best I've seen. And, since the book is based on the Sun JMX Reference Implementation with detailed instructions on building and running the examples, it's easy to try this yourself.

There are a few minor snags that don't affect the book much. They don't start using UML early enough (the first large-scale example left me scratching my head) and they build a few marginally useful things (a Jini connector, for instance). Also, a bit more detail on other JMX implementations would have been nice. However, it's still the best of the available JMX books. Buy it if you need to use or build Mbeans!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good on tech, not much expository information, April 26, 2004

By 

Jack D. Herrington "engineer and author" (Silicon Valley, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JMX in Action (Paperback)

In classic Manning fashion this book is concise and focused, uses graphics sparingly and effectively, and does a great job with code annotation. The problem comes with exposition. What I wanted was a book that not only explained what JMX was, but why I would want to use it. I found that this book had a ton of technical detail, on what is undoubtedly a complex topic, but lacked much in terms of context. More how, less why.

That being said, I understand that most readers are looking for the technical side of the argument and the book has that in spades. Particularly nice chapters are chapter one, which does provide a little context for the use of JMX, and provides a very nice, though brief, overview of the JMX architecture. Chapter six, on agent notification is also excellent.

Frankly, I would love to see a second version of this book with more emphasis on use cases. For example, chapter 7, on dynamic MBean creation, would do well to cover why you would want to use Model MBeans, and not just assume the reader understands the solution out of context with the need.

If you are on a project using JMX or an architect who is already looking at JMX, this book is worth the look. If you are looking for a gentle introduction to the topic, keep looking.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, November 21, 2002

By 

superam (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JMX in Action (Paperback)

I have found this book extremely helpful to my development efforts. The code examples were key in helping me understand JMX with EJBs and JMS. In my rapid development activities, the good, clear examples and concise points helped me write effecient and better code.

Also, it is stated in a previous review that you need to have the JDMK in order to compile the code . This is not necessary for you to be successful with this book! One does not need the JDMK; the free 'remoting.jar' can be downloaded from the JMX website at java.sun.com. This jar file contains the RMI adapter and is only needed for a small part of the book.

This book is definitely the best source of JMX material that I have encountered.