Re: The Joy of Java

[frantz@netcom.com (Bill Frantz)]

At  6:35 PM 4/28/96 -0400, E. ALLEN SMITH wrote:
>        If Java can indeed be reworked to provide proper security (e.g., if
>Perry's incorrect in this case - everyone's falliable), then how much
>modifications are likely to be necessary? I'm currently looking at the
>possibility of learning a modern high-level computer language, and Java looks
>like one of the more promising options. (I currently know a bit of Applesoft
>Basic, Quattro Pro Macro language, VAX/VMS .COM file language, and MS-DOS
>batch file language.) In other words, I'm wondering if it's worth my while to
>learn Java now, or if I should wait (and possibly learn another language) until
>the bugs are worked out? Will removing the flaws make it such a different
>language that learning it now won't be of much use for someone like me?

I think Java is an excellent language to learn as a part of learning modern
programming languages and techniques.  Even if the bytecode verifier falls
completely on its face, you will still know a safer language than C or C++.
 (However, if the verifier falls, you may also know an obsolete language.)

The syntax of Java is similar to C and C++, which may help you learn those
languages (in the same way knowing Italian helps you learn Spanish).  The
garbage collected nature of Java may get you into bad habits when using C
or C++, but since I switch back between Assembler and Java, it is not
insurmountable.

I do not think the Java bugs are bad enough to make it a poor language for
learning.  However, it is a very young language, and "nice" programming
environments aren't quite here yet.  However, new environments are being
delivered every month, so if you demand luxury environments, you shouldn't
have to wait too long.

Regards - Bill


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