Create custom UI OUTSIDE of the Alfresco Share

[dissectcode2]

I recently downloaded Alfresco Enterprise v 4.1.1.3 for Linux

I need to build a custom UI in Java/Grails OUTSIDE of the packaged Alfresco dashboard or Share (if I understand correctly, that's the name). I just need to connect my UI to Alfresco CMS API. The custom UI is just a form, and a "homepage" of recent docs.

Do I use the Embedded API? Or do I use Alfresco's custom REST API? Do I use the Webscripts API?

Where do I get the jar or package to include in my Java file? When I installed Alfresco, there is only one AMP.

OR is there a test-program?

[mrogers]

You need to use one of the many remote APIs for alfresco.

A typical custom UI will use CMIS or bespoke webscripts.    If you need a "library" you could use open CMIS or alfresco's public API.
There are many other options as well.

[dissectcode2]

You need to use one of the many remote APIs for alfresco.

A typical custom UI will use CMIS or bespoke webscripts.    If you need a "library" you could use open CMIS or alfresco's public API.
There are many other options as well.

do i need to include a jar file or anything in my environment (i will use eclipse) to connect to alfresco?

[mrogers]

No you don't need to include a particular JAR.   However depending upon which interface you are using then something like openCMIS may make your code easier.