| Term |
Abbreviation |
Versions |
JSR |
Explanation |
| Configuration |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
A set of libraries and a Java virtual machine for a category
of devices. There are two configurations for Java ME: CLDC and CDC,
where CLDC is totally dominating in mobile phones. |
| Profile |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
APIs built on top of a configuration to provide a runtime
environment for a specific type of device. The profile relevant
for mobile phones is MIDP. |
| Java Specification Request |
JSR |
n/a |
n/a |
All specifications that are related to Java are called JSRs,
as they are initially proposed as specifications and if approved
become part of the overall set of specifications for Java
technology. |
| Java Platform, Micro Edition |
Java ME |
2.0 |
68 |
Java comes in 3 major versions: Standard Edition,
Enterprise Edition and Micro Edition. Java ME is the
version intended for self-contained devices with memory and CPU
restrictions, like set-top boxes, PDAs, mobile phones, washing
machines, coffee machines, toys etc. |
| Mobile Information Device Profile |
MIDP |
1.0, 2.0 |
37,
118 |
A special profile of Java ME for mobile phones. It supports a range of Java classes that are
chosen to accomodate device independence and the UI and
communication functionality needed as a bare minimum for such
devices. I would argue that it's too limited, but you have to
start somewhere. |
| Mobile Information Device Profile |
MIDP |
3.0 |
271 |
An upcoming version of MIDP with several enhancements in the areas of concurrency, security, UI, multimedia etc. See a separate
analysis of what's new in MIDP 3.0. |
| Connected Limited Device Configuration |
CLDC |
1.0, 1.1 |
30,
139 |
The configuration intended for smaller devices like mobile
phones. 1.1 adds floating point operations and a few other
things. Many deployed phones still support only 1.0. |
| Connected Device Configuration |
CDC |
1.0 |
36 |
The configuration intended for more beefy devices with less
restrictions on CPU and memory capacity. There are almost no
devices on the market that support CDC today. |
| Java Technology for the Wireless Industry |
JTWI |
1.0 |
185 |
An aggregating specification intended to firm up the
requirements on Java for specifically mobile phones, as that's
the key market for Java ME and also the
most fragmented one. JTWI requires MIDP 2.0, CLDC 1.0
(optionally 1.1), WMA 1.1 (SMS) and optionally MMAPI 1.1 (yet at least sound). |
| Wireless Messaging API |
WMA |
1.1, 2.0 |
120,
205 |
WMA enables sending and receiving of mobile messages. 1.x
supports SMS, and 2.x adds MMS. |
| Mobile Media API |
MMAPI |
1.1 |
135 |
A powerful set of classes for viewing and playing
multimedia files, taking photos and recording video and audio.
Very few phones support the complete MMAPI specification yet,
but as phones grow more powerful this is bound to change. |
| PDA Optional Packages (File Connection and PIM APIs) |
PDA |
1.0 |
75 |
Adds file system and PIM database access,
considerably improving the ways Java ME applications can interact
with functionality and content in the phone. |
| Java APIs for Bluetooth |
n/a |
1.0 |
82 |
Provides access to the Bluetooth
(short-range radio) and infrared/OBEX functionality in the phone. Many implementations support only Bluetooth. |
| Location API |
n/a |
1.0 |
179 |
Provides access to location/positioning
information. Methods used can be GPS, E-OTD and others. |
| SIP API |
n/a |
1.0 |
180 |
Enables use of Session Initiation Protocol
from Java ME applications. |
| Security and Trust Services APIs |
SATSA |
1.0 |
177 |
Extends the Java ME security features and
enables access to the Smart/SIM card. |
| Mobile 3D Graphics |
n/a |
1.0 |
184 |
Provides 3D graphics to
small-memory environments. |
| Web Services API |
WSA |
1.0 |
172 |
Enables Java ME applications to communicate
as per web services standards (SOAP etc). |
| Content Handler API |
CHAPI |
1.0 |
211 |
Allows a Java ME application to serve as a
viewer/player of content provided via URIs, increasing the
overall content-related functionality of the phone. |
| Advanced Multimedia Supplements |
AMMS |
1.0 |
234 |
Provides additional functionality to MMAPI / JSR 135, including detailed configuration of digital cameras,
radios, audio processing, etc. |
| Mobile Service Architecture |
MSA |
1.0 |
248 |
Enhances the standard feature set for mobile phones by combining several important JSRs. See the separate page for MSA. |
| Mobile User Interface Customization API |
MUIC |
draft |
258 |
Enables post-customisation of the lcdui-based UI widgets. It's similar to, but not compatible with, J2ME Polish's UI customization. |
