MIDP in general is one of the J2ME profile, a profile consists of Java classes. MIDP provides high-level API’s using which J2ME developer can easily develop applications, which is easy to use, highly graphical, with optimized for small computing devices such as Mobile phone. Also provides low-level user interface API’s giving the developers a control over the graphics and input. Thus reduces the development effort.
MIDP is targeted at a class of devices known as mobile information devices (MIDs). These are devices that have the following minimal characteristics:
1) Enough memory to run MIDP applications
2) A bit addressable display at least 96 pixels wide by 56 pixels high, either monochrome or color.
3) A keypad, keyboard, or touch screen.
4) Two-way wireless networking capability
Before we start up with MIDP 2.0 we will look over MIDP 1.0, which basically provides local storage, a user interface, networking capabilities and ability to operate in disconnected mode, ability to write applications in Java. But it was lacking end-to-end security and some other new features which is existing in MIDP 2.0
With MIDP 2.0, end-to-end security is now supported. MIDP 2.0 introduces the security concepts of application signing and privileged domains. With application signing applications can be trusted or not based on the ability to corroborate, via the use of a X.509 digital certificate, the application’s origin and integrity. These new features protect the device against unauthorized applications accessing data and functions. Also standard security protocols such as HTTPS, TLS/SSL and WTLS allows for secure transmission by encrypting the data. It is important to understand that MIDP in general is targeted at cell phones and low-end PDAs
The new MIDP 2.0 also includes support for an enhanced user interface API that allow developers create more functional and attractive business or consumer applications with less effort. It also includes new gaming and media APIs that can be used for business-applications.
MIDP 2.0 has expanded network connectivity support beyond HTTP, with support for UDP datagrams, TCP sockets, and serial port communication. Also a powerful feature called the push registry that activates dormant applications when new information is available. For example, with push support, server software can activate an application on the device to notify employees when a new calendar event has been scheduled or new sales lead generated, even if the application is not currently running.
The new Over-The-Air (OTA) application provisioning standardizes support for client-initiated download of applications over the wireless network. It allows users to find and install authorized applications wirelessly. It also allows application providers to track the installation and removal of applications for billing (or other) purposes.
MIDP also supports Short messaging service (SMS) and Cell Broadcast Service (CBS)
What does it MIDP provide?
The MIDP adds the following packages on top of the CLDC:
| javax.microediton.lcdui | Provides classes for user interface. |
| javax.microedition.midlet | Defines MIDP applications and the interactions between the application and the environment in which the application runs. |
| javax.microedition.rms | Provides persistent storage (Record Management System). |