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General discussion

Using Java to Build Windows Applications

Jul 11, 2007 1:23PM PDT

Does anyone think it is worth wild to build full fledge Windows Applications coded in Java? I do know C#, however I am more familar with Java and I like the fact that I can code the GUI. Does it make sense/realistic to code in Java, can it be done, has it ever been done?

Discussion is locked

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Does it need a JRE?
Jul 11, 2007 9:39PM PDT

On some production floor we don't allow the JRE or such so it must be compiled. Does your code "compile" to some .exe and run?

Bob

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I haven't yet decided on
Jul 12, 2007 3:47AM PDT

The runtime configuration. To be honest it doesn't really matter if the machine needs the JRE. However I am leaning more towards building an executable file.

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OK, let's look at the players.
Jul 12, 2007 3:59AM PDT

We see SUN with Java.

We see Microsoft not interested in Java.

Will you get full Windows support in Java? Doubtful. Let me share an application I have written. It involves bluetooth devices. I don't see a bluetooth API in Java. It's barely there in Microsoft's API.

So my answer is because of the company dynamics my answer is "no."

Bob

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Alright Thanks Bob,
Jul 12, 2007 4:47AM PDT

The thing was that I am more familar with Java, and I also wanted a cross platform thick client language. And because C# uses the .net framework which can not be used on a Macintosh or Linux platform, Java and C++ seemed to be my two biggest options.

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If I didn't have to do such deep dark blue things...
Jul 12, 2007 4:53AM PDT

I could have used something not so Windowy.

Bob

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I'm Just being prepared
Jul 12, 2007 5:07AM PDT

for the "supposed" downfall of the Windows platform. That everyone is calling for. I don't believe it is going to happen but I think Microsoft needs to kick Windows into high gear and start coming out with their own new technologies. Not devices like Project Milan, which is a year or more from release and is only going to be used in a public sector. I mean don't get me wrong the Milan is awesome, but let's start inventing and innovating on the OS that 95% of the computer world uses everyday. Not something that someone will see coming out of an airport, hotel, or train station. Come On now

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So you don't see BG retiring as that sign?
Jul 12, 2007 5:47AM PDT

I don't fret about this area at all. We use PCs on the test floor and have changed platforms at least a dozen times (pre-PC). You can use this to your advantage. How? By not wasting your time fretting about it and getting your software out the door the competitor that is working about the end of what ever the current platform will be spinning their wheels going no where.

Does that sound familiar?

Bob

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Although I feel that bill Gates Switching...
Jul 12, 2007 6:07AM PDT

His duty roster is a mistake, I don't feel as though this is the end of the Windows platform on the PC. What I am worried about is that we have seen this happen so many times before Steve Jobs leaving, Michael Dell, etc.., then these Corp. heads come back when there company is in trouble, Jobs has had success, Dell not so much. I just don't Microsoft to become the next Apple back in the 90's.

They need to start putting the user technology first. why do you think that this is a sign, and that the Windows platform as a whole is actually going to loose?

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Not yet.
Jul 12, 2007 9:30AM PDT

But I'm hedging my bets by adding to my learning about Linux and pulling the trigger on a new Mac this year. Today I make money on my PC and PalmOS applications. That Bluetooth area I wrote about is our first step to cut the cord to the PalmOS and go multiplatform. But as it stands today it's very safe to target the 95 some percent PC use and platform.

Bob

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I firmly believe that the Windows Platform
Jul 12, 2007 11:08AM PDT

Isn't done yet. I pulling for Microsoft, mostly because an apologist towards them. I think they could do some good, still and retain their leadership. They just need to change somethings.

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Java vs MS
Sep 22, 2007 11:59AM PDT

If you can code in Java, it might be a good challenge to do a win GUI using Java. But for practical rapid application development, I would go with C# or VB.NET

It would be easy for you to learn quickly, given your existing skillset and actual application development would be much faster. This is owed largely to the MS IDE. It's actually one of their better products.

- Shelon Padmore
http://shelonpadmore.blogspot.com/