🚀 go-pugleaf

Michael Wade wrote:
> 
> On Sat, 11 Oct 1997 22:01:14 -0400, Charles Angel
> <cangel0@tiger.gtc.georgetown.ky.us> wrote:
> 
> >
> >"I am annoyed by the lack of header files"
> >-- What do you think an import is?  Are you upset because you don't have to make function prototypes all the
> >time...
> 
> I'm upset because I have to pour through the code to find the function
> definitions.  I really like the ability of a C++ class definition in a
> header file.  The complete interface is all in one place, not spread
> throughout an entire file.  Publish the header file, and other
> programmers know what the interface is.
> 

Publish the javadoc and everybody has a hypertext description of what the
interface is.

> 
> As for programming something with more ease in Java than in C++, what
> do you mean?  Other than portability?  Java programming for large
> projects appears to be cumbersome, the tools and the language
> immature, the target environments less than completely stable.
> Where's the advantage?  Other than the "write once, pray everywhere"
> slogan, where does Java have any advantage over C++?  And, no, I don't
> think taking away pointers has made programming easier.  Less prone to
> bugs, perhaps, but not easier.
> 

"Appears to be cumbersome"?  Your opinion.  I disagree.

What makes Java easier to program?

 * automatic memory management (huge ease of programming win)

 * much easier and (IMHO) more robust exception model including compile
   time enforcement of checked exception catching

 * finally blocks to put all code code for termination of a try block 
   (due to exception as well as return, break, fall thru) in a single spot

 * RTTI available now on all platforms (still vapor for many C++ compilers)

 * very rich and portable standard class libraries

 * simpler type system (single inheritance, no user defined and automagic
   type conversions)

 * many built in consistency checks such as array bounds checking, runtime
   type checking of casts, etc

Java isn't C++.  It is not a subset of C++ or a superset.  It is a very powerful
language in its own right.


> I haven't "missed the point."  I'm just wondering if Java can indeed
> support large scale development.  It seems fine for applets, but I
> haven't seen a large program written in Java yet.  Hopefully Lotus
> will  be able to do so.  I'm looking forward to seeing the result.
> 

No large Java apps, eh?  Check out HotJava, Java Web Server, JBuilder (60-80%
Java code), Java Workshop, Applix Anywhere, and others I haven't seen or used
yet.

All the best,
++Brian

-- 
Brian Burton                        Custom Software Development
Burton Computer Corporation         Java, C++, Orbix, Tuxedo
http://www.burton-computer.com      OO Consulting and Mentoring