Working with IBM Lotus Notes Domino xPages

In December 2008, xPages was a new technology introduced to Lotus Domino Web application developers in IBM Lotus Notes and Lotus Domino 8.5. XPages is a JSF-based development tool which developers can use to surface Domino data not only to browsers and the Lotus Notes client but also to mobile devices with a Web 2.0 look and feel.

As a Domino Developer there is a lot to learn about xPages. Although xPages development generally relies on two legacy design elements forms and views, there is a shift away from the traditional structure that Domino Developers would use to create their applications. We need to re-think how we navigate, display data and design and build the application.

For developers with no web development experience, the learning curve will be steep whilst topics such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript are tackled. For Domino Web developers, the learning curve is less daunting with plenty of opportunity to capitalise on the web skills you already have. The difficulty is not with using the tools but working out which way is the best way to do what you need to do as the possibilities can seem a little overwhelming at first.

The xPages interaction with Domino objects such as NotesDatabase, NotesView and NotesDocument is primarily done through Server-Side JavaScript. This leverages many @Formulas and standard client side JavaScript functions which means that there is familiarity for all existing Domino developers.

In order to capitalise on the potential of xPages, the key development items to master are Server-Side JavaScript, the use of Dojo, Custom Controls, Custom Controls and Custom Controls! In addition to these the other development technique to master is perseverance and tenacity. xPages can be a fantastic tool but at times infuriatingly frustrating until you get to understand the most effective techniques for achieving your development goals. Keep going, it will make sense in the end.

In our experience, the most effective way to get to grips with xPages is to start with one of the many templates that are available on the web. Look into the way that the xPages are standardised with header, footer and navigation custom controls, see how styling is defined with Themes and see how xPages are used to create and edit documents and display lists of documents and views. Define some refinements that you’d like to make and work through the process of implementing those changes. It is useful to remember that you are not alone; there are lots of web resources available to xPage developers, tutorials, white papers, blogs, wiki posts, podcasts, and code samples. CES can also offer you support in the form of mentoring or training to get you started.

If you haven’t done so already, get investigating and make a start with xPages.