🚀 go-pugleaf

Ken Irving wrote:
> 
> In article <mac.318.3115D621@zeus.hsrc.ac.za>, mac@zeus.hsrc.ac.za says...
> >- Java is an interpreter for the JavaScript scripting language.
> >
> Sounds likely, but don't know.

No.  JavaScript was (is) Netscapes Scripting Language "based on Java".  It was
originaly caleed LiveScript... you do not need Java to use JavaScript.


> >- Java produces p-code (or someting similar) for Internet Java browser to
> >interpret.
> >
> Pretty much.

Small correction: the Bytecodes run on the JavaVM. 
A browser is able to incorporate the Java VM - nothing dictates that Java 
must run in a browser (it's just most popular that way right now).  

> >- Java is a full compiler that produces .EXE files using a language that is
> >C++-like in syntax but with less indeterminacies and a single-inheritance
> >object hierarchy.
> 
> Partly right.

No executable is formed.  The compiler produces byte codes that execute on the JavaVM.
This means that the compiled code will run, unmodified on any computer that support 
the JavaVM.  I can compile on a SPARC an run the code on a Windoze '95 machine.


> I've read a bit on Java, haven't used it (yet).  My understanding is that Java,
> the language, is an object-oriented language much like C++ except lacking all
> the baggage, compromises, concessions, etc. of C++. Java compiles to bytecodes,
> p-code, that is interpreted (or otherwise used) by a *browser*.  But it could
> also be interpreted by a compiler on any system, yielding a native executable.

Borland has plans to produce a native compiler for Java (note: this removes the
portability of the Java application/applet).


> The main thing is that this thing is seriously portable! The user's machine is
> irrelevant, your program will run on anything that can run a suitable browser.
> Highly OO-able too.

Not just a browser - I use Java for application programming - you just need a 
JavaVM (available from Sun).


> I guess the idea being promoted is the ability to field active, interactive,
> animated www pages, and further, the promise of using needed software that you
> don't own, you just rent for a while.  But to me, the idea of a widely
> supported, good programming language is pretty exciting alone.

The language is nice - needs more work though (it was released as a non-beta
product far to soon IMO).  Please loose the misconception that Java is just for 
the Internet - it was not originaly intended for the Internet... it just happens
to have taken off on the internet.  Nothing in Java requires the use of a browser
(like HotJava or Netscape).

..darcy

-- 
   D'Arcy Smith, Systems Analyst
   Applied Research in Computer Systems (ARCS) Laboratory
   British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Burnaby, BC, Canada
   E-Mail: darcy@arcs.bcit.bc.ca        URL http://www.arcs.bcit.bc.ca
   Tel:  (604) 432-8281      		Fax:  (604) 436-1297