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Lesson 2Looking deeper into the core CORBA architecture
ObjectiveExplore the structure of CORBA clients and CORBA servers.

Looking Deeper into the Core CORBA Architecture

CORBA clients generally make use of something called a CORBA Stub, while CORBA servers use a similar structural component called a CORBA Skeleton . Both are created by the IDL, when it is run through a preprocessor. This means that IDL operation definitions are mapped directly into the Stub or Skeleton. The following Slide Show focuses on these structural components and the functions they perform.

Stubs and Skeletons

When implementing CORBA application components, you will encounter what are known as client stubs and server skeletons. A client stub is a small piece of code that allows a client component to access a server component. This piece of code is compiled along with the client portion of the application. Similarly, server skeletons are pieces of code that you "fill in" when you implement a server. You don't need to write the client stubs and server skeletons themselves; these pieces of code are generated when you compile IDL interface definitions. Again, you'll soon see all this firsthand

1) Corba Architecture 1 2) Corba Architecture 2 3) Corba Architecture 3
  1. Corba clients are the simplest components in a Corba system. Structurally clients are usually coupled with a CORBA Stub.
  2. At the server side, the call is routed with the help of an Object Adapter.
  3. The Object Adapter passes the call to the Skeleton, which is similar to the stub of the client's Stub

Alternative view of the Core Corba Architecture.
The structural makeup of CORBA clients and servers, along with their associated Stubs and Skeletons is pretty straightforward. The next lesson digs a little deeper and explores how the Stub and Skeleton perform their duties.