slide: if Java ..
slide: what is ..

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

slide: Java

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

slide: Object+ Talk

As you may have guessed

It is all a matter of Perspective

slide: Perspectives

Perspectives

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?
slide: Perspectives (1)

Internet Applications

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.

slide: The Press says ...

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.
slide: Note that ...

I think ...

Well, eh

...

slide: I think ...

Software Engineering

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!
slide: The Press says ...

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
slide: Note that ...

I think ...

that CORBA is way ahead in standardization efforts,

And language independent!

slide: I think ...

Language Design

The Press says ...

  • elegant minimalism is one of the goals of Java
  • Java is meant as an improvement over all existing languages
slide: The Press says ...

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
slide: Note that ...

I think ...

of Java as C++ for dummies.

Sorry

slide: I think ...

System Development

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.

slide: The Press says ...

Note that ...

  • Are Java Tools Ready For Prime Time? (03/24/98) The Five contenders Internet Week tested all had one thing in common: They all need improvement.

  • 90% of Internet Programming is scripting:
    Perl for the server-side and javascript for the client-side.
slide: 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 ...

slide: I think ...

Computer Science

The Press says ...

NOTHING

slide: The Press says ...

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 ...
slide: Note that ...

I think ...

that we desperately need declarative, reliable and verifiable languages.

iow ... logic programming

slide: I think ...

Business

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.

slide: The Press says ...

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!
slide: Note that ...

I think ...

that you know more about business than I do.

Do you?

slide: I think ...

The Global Village

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.

slide: The Press says ...

Note that ...

Java alone would not suffice

slide: Note that ...

I think ...

see The Virtual Dealing Room

slide: I think ...

Conclusions

Java is an Answer to

  • the problem of platform dependence
  • the quest of standard API's
  • programmer's inabilities
  • lightweight client interfaces

    thanks to Object Alliance

The Questions that Java raises concern

  • efficiency
  • maintenance
  • language dependence
  • instability

    Java is still a moving platform


  • and ...
slide: Conclusions