Java
- a modern programming language
- C++ syntax, no pointers
- virtual machine (runs on many platforms)
- libraries: networking, AWT
- downloadable classes
- support for applets
- extensions and APIs: Beans, Swing, MEDIA, 3D
See Java at Sun
If Java is the Answer, what is the Question?
Anton Eliëns
Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
Object+, 14 october 1998
www.cs.vu.nl/~eliens/online/talks/objectplus98
As you may have guessed
It is all a matter of Perspective
Looking at Java ...
?
- Internet Applications - Is this the dial tone?
- Software Engineering - How about maintenance?
- Language Design - Is this the language we want?
- System Development - Does it make us productive?
- Computer Science - Is it intellectually challenging?
- Business - Will it be accepted in the real world?
- The Global Village - Is this the right technology?
The Press says ...
The Answer is JavaBeans
JavaBeans is the platform-neutral,
component architecture for the Java
application environment.
It's the ideal
choice for developing or assembling
network-aware solutions for
heterogeneous hardware and operating
system environments--within the
enterprise or across the Internet.
In fact,
it's the only component architecture you
should consider if you're developing for
the Java platform.
Note that ...
-
More than 1,000,000 developers around
the world have already embraced the
Java platform.
-
Yet many developers are not yet sure
how best to take advantage of the
capabilities and benefits the Java Platform
delivers without sacrificing their existing
investment in legacy applications.
I think ...
Well, eh
...
The Press says ...
- The Java Development Kit.
Take full advantage of the Java
programming language and APIs with Sun's award-winning JDK
software. Includes the Java virtual machine, tools, core class libraries,
and the freely redistributable Java Runtime Environment (subject to
licensing terms). Build 100% Pure Java applications that are portable
across all Java compatible systems.
- Java Plug-in.
Deploy Java applets across browsers in the enterprise
using consistent, reliable, full-featured, Java CompatibleTM runtime
technology.
- Java Standard Extensions.
Enhance your applications with
supplemental Java classes that extend the functionality of the core JDK
software.
- Tools and Utilities.
Speed development and testing with useful tools
and utilities.
- JDK Archives.
Earlier versions of the JDK.
Online Books. Learn about beginning through advanced Java
technology topics from a selection of online versions of acclaimed Sun's
Java Series Books.
- Early Access Packages.
Evaluate Sun's cutting-edge development
kits and APIs before general release.
- Sample Code.
Increase your expertise of the Java programming
language and its comprehensive set of APIs.
Coupons for discounts on hardcopy documentation, and more!
Note that ...
- Java is pervasive
- our responsibility is to ensure that future applications
are well-behaved legacy systems
- maintaining legacy COBOL code is a major industry, the 70's legacy
hostage ...
- by 2010, Java will be the maintenance tail wagging the software dog!
If today's languages are inadequate for today's
software engineering challenges, then Java must be inadequate too.
From Ted Lewis, IEEE Computer, march 1997
I think ...
that CORBA is way ahead in standardization efforts,
And language independent!
The Press says ...
- elegant minimalism is one of the goals of Java
- Java is meant as an improvement over all existing languages
Note that ...
- Java is Sun's UNCOL: Algol -> PL/I -> Pascal -> Ada -> C++ -> ...
- remember Pascal: incomplete toy language
- Java = watered down C++ & retrofitting from Pascal
- C syntax, unruly scope rules, threads
- Java is full of semantic compromises: string
I think ...
of Java as C++ for dummies.
Sorry
The Press says ...
It Works Everywhere
The idea is simple: Java software works just about
everywhere -- from the smallest devices to
supercomputers. Java technology components don't
care what kind of computer, phone, TV, or operating
system they run on. They just work, on any kind of
compatible device that supports the Java platform.
Note that ...
I think ...
that Java might be too heavy for lightweight clients
and too light for heavy servers.
... tussen de wal en het schip ...
The Press says ...
NOTHING
Note that ...
Java is a better mousetrap
- no support for requirements
- non-standard APIs (eg. RMI)
- YAB, Yet Another Brand of Components
- Lewis: Java does not advance the intellectual frontier ...
I think ...
that we desperately need declarative, reliable and verifiable languages.
iow ... logic programming
The Press says ...
WeatherLabs
At WeatherLabs, Inc., a mere dozen meteorologists and
software developers manage more weather data in
less time than a staff of 100, using Java
technology.
Prudential Healthcare
In an effort to elevate and improve its administration of health
benefits to its customers, Prudential HealthCare looked to the Java Technolo
gy
platform to develop the first-of-its-kind Web-based benefits
administration system.
Note that ...
- cutting edge technology is nice for toy projects
- the issue is: standardizing business objects and processes
- in that respect: Java is no Answer!
I think ...
that you know more about business than I do.
Do you?
The Press says ...
Imagine:
Stockbrokers have to deal with an immense amount of information
coming from multiple sources.
Decision making must be quick.
Stock fluctuations, political tensions and market trends must be monitored
to detect critical situations and act appropriately.
Think of:
the potential of
the new virtual world technology (VRML+Java) to present
the (overload of) information in a more adequate way,
allowing for immediate inspection, more detailed analysis,
and interaction with partners and potential sources of information.
Note that ...
Java alone would not suffice
I think ...
see
The Virtual Dealing Room
Conclusions
Java is an Answer to
The Questions that Java raises concern