What OS do you develop Java on?
What has me really baffled however is that doesn’t Apple realize just how many Java developers use a Mac? While they are certainly making inroads with the new computer buying crowd, I would venture to say that the vast majority of Mac owners are either developers or visual/audio folks.
In taking my current job I had the option of a Mac Mini or a PC. I almost went with the Mac, but opted for the PC because I can use dual monitors. However, most of our dev group uses a Mac and even bought upgrade CDs last week, with the main goal of using Java 6. Imagine the disappointment…
The same could be said about the iPhone. A lot of people wanted the phone because it was running a real OS and developers had dreams of building cool applications for it. Apple said no. Developers hacked it naturally. Apple shut them out with their update. And the circle goes on and on…
So, what OS do you develop Java on?
Don’t miss anything, subscribe!
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
For a definitive timeline of Java on OSX:
http://stuffthathappens.com/blog/2007/10/28/os-x-java-definitive-timeline/
From what I see Apple has never released a major java update with OS release. Usually follows a week or 2 later and ALWAYS trails Sun’s releases.
Granted it would be nice if they would SAY it is coming!
I do Java on Windows at work, but own a Mac at home for mail, web, quartz composer, etc. Apple support has always significantly lagged Windows and Solaris in Java. Now it significantly lags Linux as well.
My guess is that even when they do get Java 6 out, it won’t have the full OpenGL-accelerated pipeline or the lightweight JOGL-Java2D rendering. As one of those folks doing client-side Java, the Mac simply isn’t a very good option.
Apple has limited resources, and they’ve chosen to pour then into their 1980’s Objective-C technology instead of adopting Java or another modern language, so I expect Mac support to gradually wane for the Mac over time.
Mac OSX using Eclipse/MyEclipse.
I switch to Linux or Windows XP to use features not available on the Mac.
wmd: I’m not whining about it, especially since I’m using a PC to develop on (although I wouldn’t mind using a mac). I just think it is shame that they didn’t include it when so many java developers work on a mac; just look at the poll results. To top it off, it was highly anticipated.
Developer preview versions of Java 6 for the Mac have been available for about 6 months. Quit yer whining…
I have to consider who’s using my apps and applets - many of them are still using 1.4.2. So, this delay is a non-issue. You’re making a mountain out of a molehill because you, personally, want to work in Java 6. Well, guess what, you can - just sign up to Apple’s developer program.