Re: [TCLUG-DEVEL:162] Java Development software

[Perry Hoekstra <dutchman@uswest.net>]

George Swan wrote:
> 
> Before I get too far into NetBeans,
> I thought I should ask:
> 
> Can anyone give a quick run down
> on a few of the most popular Java
> development softwares?
> 
> Good points bad points, ....   cost?

Okay, I will be the first one to post.  I have not tried NetBeans only
because I was jaded by my experience with Java Workshop.  I realize that
it is ironic that most developers have shied away from IDEs created in
the language you are developing in.  I just have not had the best
experiences with Java-based development environments.

I came from a Windows/IDE (in this case, Smalltalk) environment so I
have not been exposed to the wonders of emacs/make/JDK.  I have always
had an IDE and that is what I am most comfortable in.  So IDE and
background in Smalltalk points you at VisualAge for Java.

The pros of VAJ include:
- Smalltalk-like development environment
- Excellent class browser
- Outstanding debugger
- Scrapbook for testing code
- Price for Professional Edition is reasonable (<$150)
- Cross platform (supports Windows/OS2/Linux/AIX)

The cons of VAJ include:
- Needs lots of memory, I would not recommend box with less than 128MB
- Smalltalk-like development environment which throws off the developers
comming from a C/C++ world with files and projects. It can talk awhile
to get used to the idea of an image.
- I am not a GUI developer but the one time I tried to use the Visual
Screen builder I was not impressed. Caveat, I did not like VisualWorks
screen builder either.
- Does not track the latest JDK.  Right now, the Linux is JDK 1.1.7 and
Windows is JDK 1.1.8.  I don't know the schedule for a JDK 1.2 release
- Some integration holes.  No hooks for things like CVS or MKS.

The only other true Java IDE for Linux is JBuilder.  I don't know of
anyone who has used it.  I think some of the C++ environments have the
ability to work with Java code but with those, I think you would be as
well off as using something such as Slickedit.

-- 
Perry Hoekstra
Talent Software Services
dutchman@mn.uswest.net

A person who smiles in the face of adversity... probably has a scapegoat