jHelp provides drop-in HTML display capability to Java applets and applications. jHelp normally is used to display static HTML documents, but it can also display HTML generated "on-the-fly." This latter capability has allowed developers to use jHelp classes as custom TextArea-like components to display database records, messages and other types of information that can be formatted in HTML. While originally designed as a help display system, jHelp is much more.
jHelp officially supports nearly all of HTML 2, with the exception of a few infrequently used, or inapplicable tags. jHelp extends HTML 2 to provide some convenient tags from higher HTML versions. jHelp also provides some special tags to help automate indexing. The current level of HTML support is a compromise that considers performance, code size, and functionality. While we are trying to provide as many features as possible, it is important to keep jHelp reasonably small in size, and to perform at an acceptable level. Supported tags are described in HTML Details.
jHelp is designed to make it easy for developers to implement context-sensitive help. jHelp provides the components, but it does not mandate any event-mechanisms to accomplish this. We think most developers will prefer to define the events that display help and implement the trigger mechanisms in a way that suits their application and blends into its user-interface. With jHelp, displaying a help file is simply accomplished by calling an appropriate jHelp method with the name of a specific help document and an optional bookmark.
Developers need not use jHelp's "black box" help display frame. By placing a jHelp panel widget in a container, custom display panels can be created. And, by overriding the panel widget's hyperlink handling methods, an application can decide to handle the hyperlink on its own, or let it fall through for default handling. Some of our licensees have created some outstanding and powerful UI's with jHelp components.
jHelp support has been highly rated by licensees. All license options include free upgrades and unlimited email support for a one year period from the date of shipment. We try hard to respond to our users promptly, and take any suggestions for improving our product very seriously. Typically, if a licensee requests or suggests a new feature, it appears very shortly in an upgrade if it is feasible.
jHelp is offered with a royalty free license to redistribute jHelp's compiled package as a help or document viewing subsystem of your programs. Source code is available.
jHelp can be ordered with a company purchase order. Source code is typically provided within 24 hours of receipt by email, and support begins immediately. For details concerning ordering, please contact Moondog Software by email, at bgiel@ct2.nai.net.