CodeWarrior RAD tools use a component model to create applications. A component in RAD context is a self-describing object. The component represents an object in the programming framework you use to create an application. All of the properties, methods, and events that describe an object are included in the component.

Components enable a powerful and intuitive user interface for applications across a wide variety of platforms. RAD tools use these components to provide several services, including persistence and automation.

CodeWarrior uses these tools to implement the component model:

• Layout Editor
• Catalogs

One major part of the RAD tools is the Layout editor. This application builder uses a visual development environment. User interface elements are visually represented as components. You can drag and drop components to form your application. As you make changes, the IDE updates the Layout editor display and modifies the generated source code accordingly.

Catalogs comprise the second major part of the RAD tools. Catalogs are repositories of available components for the application. The IDE provides catalogs based on the programming framework you use. For example, when you create a Java application, you can choose components from Java-specific catalogs. The properties and events of the components in a catalog are fully customizable.