Hooray for the Java Platform
Java is a language that doesn’t have any cutting edge syntax, it’s basically C++. Java didn’t really invent or improve upon any existing paradigms or semantic structures, its OO is less Object Oriented than Smalltalk, and it doesn’t even match C++ in utility (although it kicks C++ in the pants for simplicity). So what does Java have that makes it so formidable? It has a very dynamic platform.
- Automatic memory management - Garbage Collection
- Dynamic runtime - Byte Code is interpreted, JIT.
- Dynamic loadtime - Classloaders, and load time linking
Java developers should focus on the strengths of the platform, and avoid getting caught up defending Java the Language. As a language Java is going to keep morphing and becoming new things to new people. As a platform Java is sound it makes an excellent for new languages including JSR 241: Groovy. The future of Java is in the platform and not in the platform’s namesake language.
That said Java is a pretty decent language, with simple but verbose syntax. Java is my language of choice, but not because I have any special attachment. I love Java because I love the platform, Java the language is going to keep evolving along with its platform no matter what your stance on Generics, or Static imports (I hate them). As long as the platform grows and improves I’m happy at the end of the day.
Tags: Java