Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB):

Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) is an architecture for setting up program components written in the Java programming language that run in the server parts of a computer network running under the client/server model. Chili!Soft ASP enables ASP applications to access EJB through Chili!Beans.

EJB is built on the JavaBeans technology for distributing program components (called beans, using the coffee metaphor) to clients in a network. EJB offers enterprises the advantage of being able to control changes at the server rather than having to update each individual client whenever a new program component is changed or added. EJB components are reusable in multiple applications. To deploy an EJB Bean or component, it must be part of a specific application, called a container.

Originated by Sun Microsystems, EJB is roughly equivalent to the Microsoft Component Object Model/Distributed Component Object Model architecture. However, like all Java-based architectures, EJB-based applications can be deployed across all major operating systems, and not just Windows. EJB program components are generally known as servlets (little server programs). The application or container that runs the servlets is sometimes called an application server. A typical use of servlets is to replace Web programs that use the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) and a Perl script. Another general use is providing an interface between Web users and a legacy mainframe application and its database.

With EJB, there are two types of beans: session beans and entity beans. An entity bean is described as one that, unlike a session bean, has persistence and can retain its original behavior or state.

See also:

Chili!Beans Component Reference in "Chapter 5: Developer’s Reference"

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