Assembling resource adapter (connector) modules

 

A resource adapter archive (RAR) file contains code that implements a library for connecting with a backend Enterprise Information System (EIS). This topic assumes that you have created and unit tested a resource adapter RAR file to assemble in an enterprise application and deploy onto an appserver.

A Resource Adapter Archive (RAR) file is a Java archive (JAR) file used to package a resource adapter for the Java 2 Connector (J2C) Architecture for WAS. A RAR file can contain the following:

• Enterprise information system (EIS) supplied resource adapter implementation code in the form of JAR files or other runnable components, such as dynamic link lists.

• Utility classes.

• Static documents, such as HTML files, images, and sound files.

The standard file extension of a RAR file is .rar.

 

Overview

In an assembly tool, RAR files are called connectors and assembled resource adapters are called connector modules.

A connector is a J2EE component that provides access to Enterprise Information Systems (EIS), and must comply with the J2EE Connector Architecture (JCA). An example of an EIS is a transaction manager such as the Customer Information Control System (CICS).

You might see the terms resource adapter modules, resource adapter connectors and resource adapter archive files used interchangeably.

Use an assembly tool to assemble a connector in either of the following ways:

• Import an existing RAR file.

• Create a new connector module.

For information on assembling connectors, refer to the online documentation or the information center for your assembly tool. This topic points you to Application Server Toolkit documentation. The Application Server Toolkit information center accompanies this WAS information center.

 

Procedure

1. Start an assembly tool.

2. If you have not done so already, configure the assembly tool for work on J2EE modules. Ensure that J2EE and EJB capabilities are enabled.

3. Migrate RAR files created with the Assembly Toolkit, Application Assembly Tool (AAT) or a different tool to an assembly tool. To migrate files, import your RAR files to the assembly tool.

4. Create a new connector module.

 

Results

A connector project is migrated or created. Files for the connector project are shown in the Project Explorer view under Enterprise Applications and Connector Projects.

 

What to do next

After creating a connector project, you can edit the connector deployment descriptor if default properties are not sufficient. In the Connector Deployment Descriptor editor, you can view and edit source code.

For more information, see the online help for the assembly tool. Similar information is in the Application Server Toolkit information center available with this information center. Click Application Server Toolkit > J2EE applications > Working with projects > Creating a connector project.

After assembling the connector project, deploy the module or its application onto a server. When deploying the RAR file, WebSphere Application Server looks first for the connector module manifest (manifest.mf) in the _connectorModule.jar file and loads the manifest from the _connectorModule.jar file. If the class path entry is in the manifest from the _connectorModule.jar file, then the RAR uses that class path. After deployment, to ensure that the connector module finds the classes and resources that it needs, check the Classpath setting for the RAR on the console Resource adapter settings page.

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Resource adapters

 

Related tasks

Assembling applications

 

Related information

Start the Application Server Toolkit assembly tool
Configure the Application Server Toolkit assembly tool
Importing a connector project RAR file
Creating a connector project