For this example we will create a very simple Step, that will generate a random integer number and then will store this number to the Data Server.

1. Create a new class that extends AbstractAnnaStep<DataBean>.

   As you can see you need to implement some call-back-methods which will be called by the execution server:

   1. canBeSkipped(DataProxy<DataBean> proxy) tells the server if execution is necessary or if this Step can be skipped because results are already there.

   2. DataProxy<DataBean> getDataProxy() is an OSGi-related implementation: This method will return the DataProxy implementation, that acts as the Data Server for this Step.

   3. requirementsSatisfied(DataProxy<DataBean> proxy) will tell the server if all preconditions for execution of this Step are fulfilled. If this method returns true, server will execute this Step.

   4. run(DataProxy<DataBean> proxy) should implement what the Step actually does when it is executed.

   5. isCyclic() tells the server if this Step will execute more than once.

2. Implement DataProxy<DataBean>getDataProxy():

   This brings some programming overhead since we need to override two more methods to do so. We also need a ServiceTracker reference.

   Your class should look like this:

   Notice that we have overwritten AbstractAnnaStep.init(BundleContext context) and Object.finalize()

   The way to implement DataProxy<DataBean>getDataProxy() is always the same and your implementation should always look like this. The only thing that needs to be adapted is the actual implementation type of DataProxy<DataBean> when retrieving the data server reference.

   SimpleDataServer server = (SimpleDataServer) tracker.getService();

   This is actually only one line of code that can be different at this point. That is not very elegant object-oriented design and will be simplified in a later version of the framework.

3. Implement run(DataProxy<DataBean> proxy):

   We first generate a new random number and then store it to the Data Bean that is provided by the Data Server.

4. Leave canBeSkipped(DataProxy<DataBean> proxy) and isCyclic() as they are (return false).

5. Make requirementsSatisfied(DataProxy<DataBean> proxy) return true.

6. Set the bundle activator: Open the manifest file and set the bundle activator to your newly created class.

   

7. Done! Your Step implementation is now ready to run!

   One last thing:

   To be able to verify the storage of the randomly generated number we change run(DataProxy<DataBean> proxy) method to also read the value and print it to our logger.

   So our final class looks like this:

8. Export your Plug-in:

   Right-click your project → Export... → Plug-in Development → Deployable Plug-ins and fragments → Next→ Finish.

   Your Plug-in has been exported to your home directory (a plugins-folder has been created).

9. Move the jar-file to anna/07-anna-steps-directory

10. Start the framework! You will see the random number printed in the terminal.