Java Moves to Productive Maturity
by David Talbot
Java is a programming language – an arcane slightly-English syntax
technicians use to develop computer applications that we can use in everyday
work.
Java burst into an over-hyped debut three years ago. After the hoopla
subsided, shortfalls became apparent, and thousands of diligent software
engineers settled in for the long haul. The payoff is now being realized.
Java is finally delivering on its promise of a breakthrough in business
productivity. Java was designed to accomplish two main goals, and has also highlighted an
unexpected benefit.
First, the same Java program operates on any computer. Java sits on top of
your web browser – not in the bowels of your computer. Every type of
machine is different, but the web browsers are very similar. In fact the
web browser may become the most compatible computer gadget we have. That
means that if your computer is on Windows 95, a Macintosh or a UNIX
engineering workstation, the identical Java computer program will run
happily. There is no longer the need for different program versions for
different computers. Sun Microsystems – the mother of Java – calls this the
“write once, run anywhere” capability.
Second, Java manages the logistics of keeping everyone’s computers
up-to-date. Java links across networks (including the Internet) to the
server, in order to refresh itself. When you request a program feature,
Java checks your machine to see if you have that feature in its latest
version. If you do not have the feature, or you have an old version, Java
loads that feature from the server. So companies no longer have to send
around floppy disks of new software. All the computers on the network are
updated automatically.
These two capabilities make Java ideal for use across the Internet. On the
Internet, you have no control of what type of computer the other person is
using. However, you do know that she is using a web browser. Running on
the web browser ensures compatibility. For the Internet or similar
widespread systems, the automatic software refresh of Java avoids the
prohibitive logistics of floppy disk distribution. Java is becoming a key
technology that enables companies to deploy new applications to a large and
diverse user base.
Fortuitously, but unexpectedly, Java has proven much quicker to write and
maintain, compared to C++. C++ was previously the “gold standard”
industrial strength programming language. The respected technology survey
company, International Data Corporation, canvassed large organizations. IDC
found that people were gaining an average of 40% in cost and time
improvements when program coding in Java, compared to other languages.
Consider the experience of Jerald Holzinger, who is the Project Manager of
Pasadena-based Tetra Tech, a 3,000-person engineering consulting firm. “We
were under a fixed deadline with our contract administration and billing
system, as the old mainframe was closing down,” he said. “Our contract administration
and billing is extensive and complex. We decided to go ahead with Java, and
were operational four months later. As we went with Java, we can now roll
out the application across the Internet to our 90 job locations. There were
some glitches along the way, but we had the assistance of an experienced
vendor with an extensive base of already developed Java code. Our end users
are delighted with the new system”.
Three years of methodical effort has established a solid reality for Java.
Like any programming technology, Java has some awkward moments, and you
should get help from someone who has done this before. However, substantial
Los Angeles companies are now reaping the productivity gains that Java
originally promised, and which it is now fulfilling.
David Talbot is a Principal with A-Frame Software Company in Marina Del Rey.
His email address is [email protected].
