Java

[mikeymike]

Is a Java VM really needed on OS4?

Granted, they should probably develop (or someone develop for them) one that is optionally installable (or optionally downloadable?), but who here really needs a Java VM?  (not a rhetorical question, I'm interested to know if anyone actually uses/needs it on a semi-regular basis)

I think having one available to install should you need it adds a bit more attraction to the platform, the fact that it supports something like that.

The only time I can remember using Java for anything was for the ADSL speed test at adslguide.org.uk.  I think I can safely say that was the only occasion in the last 3 years :-)

[mikeymike]

@ Santa

why is a Java VM "deperately needed"?

IMO, we'd be in a very desperate situation (hopeless, actually) if we had to rely on new applications to come from the Java domain...

And it would be nice to actually see a Java app that doesn't suck performancewise (well, more GUI responsiveness rather than 'performance', but they're kind of the same bag).

[mikeymike]

@ MrZammler

Would you want to replace your linux-natively-written apps at work with apps under Java emulation though?

I'm not on this thread to speak for or against Java, I'd just like to hear people say why /they/ want Java with AmigaOS4 (be it in the various availability options I previously suggested).  To me, to do otherwise is a bit like say "I really need a Spectrum emulator on AmigaOS4!"  "Why?  Oh, erm, I just want one!"

Even if people just want to say "I use Java for x purpose from time to time", that would be interesting/useful to hear.

[mikeymike]

@ MrZammler

There's a first :-)

Ok, so far we've got one person who actually uses/needs Java on a semi-regular basis.  The rest of you think it's cool and/or would like to learn it.

Just putting things in perspective :-)

[mikeymike]

@ Ohno

Yep, I did forget you and noticed you after my last post, but as you're only a mere Hobbyist you don't matter  :-D

[mikeymike]

@ Fozzy

I think you've got me wrong - I'm not saying literally "no-one uses Java", I'm not saying it's utterly useless either.  All I am saying is, people keep saying how absolutely necessary it is that Java gets ported to OS4 asap, without really taking into account that normally, everyday usage, not many people actually use Java.  If whoever is a person that uses Java day in, day out, then they have a good reason to be wanting Java to be ported as soon as possible, but I don't get the random flagwaving in Java's favour, which is why I asked who actually uses it on a semi-regular basis to try and get my point across.

I think AOS4 should get Java sooner rather than later, just like the porting of quite a few popular applications such as Mozilla and OpenOffice need to happen to boost the credibility of the platform, as well as providing the stepping-stone for many users to move to AOS4 and know they can use a familiar product on the unfamiliar platform, so the risk seems less.