External Library DC
Definition
The development component (DC) type External Library enables you to use functions for development in the SAP NetWeaver Development Infrastructure (NWDI) inside the component model that are available only as libraries and not as source files.
Use
You use the DC type External Library to integrate functions that are available only as libraries (for example, a Java JAR file) – and not as source files – into the SAP component model for use in the NWDI. You can combine several DCs of this type into a software component (SC) and provide it in tracks just like any other SC.
You can use all types of objects (library types) in External Library DCs.
Structure
In addition to the structure shared by all DC types, this DC type contains the folder libraries.
Integration
The DC type External Library is available in the SAP NetWeaver Developer Studio.
Build Results
The result of the build process provides other DCs with the contents of the public part(s).
Perspective/View
You edit this DC type in the Navigator view. In the menu path, choose Window → Show View → Other… → Basic → Navigator.
Example
You use the NWDI for development and want to use a function implemented in Java that is available to you only as a JAR file.
1. Create a new DC of type External Library.
The DC structure is generated.
The Navigator view is displayed.
2. Copy the JAR file into the libraries folder.
3. Create a public part of type Compilation and add the JAR file as a public part entity.
In the Navigator view, select the JAR file. Open the context menu and choose Development Component → Add to Public Part.
Now the JAR file is added correctly to the Public Part.
You can now use the library to build other DCs. Because the DC type External Library itself has no deployable build result, you must deploy this DC together with another DC to make it available on the server. To do this, you need another public part of type Assembly.
4. Create another public part of type Assembly. In the Navigator view add these JAR files as a public part entity.
Select the JAR File - open the context menu and choose Development Component → Add to Public Part
You can now wrap this public part into another DC type and make it available on the server.
Other DCs then refer to the wrapped DC and not to the External Library.
After the build, you can use the new DC just like any other DC. You can use it either separately or combine several External Library DCs into an SC.
See also: