I have discovered some cool software is being produced using Java as the programming language. The reason for the use of the Java software platform is so it can run on multiple operating systems. The product is a 3D CAD/CAM jewelry design program called 3Design CAD produced in France.
I am not endorsing this CAD product in any way, shape or form. I only know what I read in an advertising promotion. So take that for what it is worth. I think all 3D software is cool, but I have never seen or used this one hands on.
The fact that it is written using the Java platform means that it should run equally on Windows, OSX and Linux. I of course like the Linux part. The problem is for years I have read that Java was not really good for major programs where performance was important. Originally (years ago), Java was considered too slow for serious programming. It ran equally (slow) on all OS platforms. So my concern has always been if the Java Platform is the optimum choice for portability of software applications and is it the best choice where performance counts.
There is now a lot of short code running in what’s called Java Script in every website we visit. Java Script is well proven and here to stay. I have used it many times. It is similar looking but not the same structure as Java application programming. It’s a totally different product.
Actually, I may be using a lot of applications running in real Java that I am not even aware of today.
So it may be possible that my earlier concern is not valid as Java Platform programming has stood the test of time and benefited from constant improvements and corporate ownership’s.
The issue could be moot; with the proof being actually how good the application performs today. If it does the job and makes the code portable (between OS’s) then job accomplished. I don’t really need to care about what programming language it uses.
On a similar observation, I have a CNC control program called MACH3 that I use for all my CNC machines. It was designed and optimized for Windows XP in particular. It will run in Windows 8.1 with a few tweaks. The news is there will soon be a totally re-written MACH4 available that will run in any OS. No mention on the base coding (Java?), but it too will be able to run in Linux.
I find this all interesting as Microsoft abandons the no nonsense, solid computer OS product and is now shoveling a bloated, Social Communication Systems OS full of detritus (called apps) down our throats. Yes, Microsoft has an OEM version available for dedicated industrial control, but try to buy it for personal use.
Linux so far has kept the social debris out of the OS kernel and the saving grace is that there are a lot of practical OS creators in Linux who believe programs and not the OS is where the social interface belongs.