Summary

Mule provides a messaging framework that enables exchange of data among applications. The application functionality is wrapped as a service, which includes a service component (the business logic that processes the data), routers (which use endpoints to specify where to send the message), and other configuration settings. Transports carry the messages on different channels from service to service, and transformers convert the messages and data as needed along the way.

Mule is not a replacement for existing application frameworks. Instead, Mule leverages many open source projects such as Apache CXF, Spring, and ActiveMQ and fills a void in enterprise Java development where an application requires complex interactions with a variety of systems on a variety of platforms. Mule makes light work of wiring systems together in a robust, decoupled environment with little to no code and provides the necessary support to route, transport, and transform data to and from these systems.

The topics in the Introduction section provided an introduction to the Mule architecture. Now, read the remaining topics in the Getting Started Guide for more detailed information on how to download, install, and get started using Mule. For information on which tasks you should perform based on your role, go to the Quick Start.