No Java on my PC
A few years back I was looking for a rich SVN client as an addition to great TortoiseSVN explorer extension. I found two : Syncro SVN and SmartSVN. I downloaded both and soon realized that they are both Java applications. They were way slower than TortoiseSVN. I stuck with Tortoise.
I do get that Java is great for enterprise web apps, but for desktop, end users, that’s just not it’s territory.
The GUI looks funny and outdated by decades. And the performance is just not what I’m used to, on windows desktop.
But Java is a truly multi-platform solution. And has many supporters in the industry. Oracle, Google…And Google only allows Java apps on it’s Android platform.
I guess that Google doesn’t want developers „misbehaving“ on their stack. Native on Android is for „the lords“ and Java for „the commons“.
No .net app out of my pocket
I guess I cannot say „no .net on my desktop“, cause I run Win7…
I would never pay for a desktop app done with .net. The GUI does look much better than Java’s, but it’s slower and less responsive. The overall performance of a .net application is order of magnitude lower than a native one.
In „the old days“ Microsoft basically had two tool-stacks: C++ with MVC for „the lords“ and VB for „the commons“. And with .net, I guess it’s „one to rule them all“. But it’s just „the commons“. C++ is still there, but why no podcasts, blog posts, overall buzz about it? Maybe Microsoft doesn’t want you to know that they still have a „real compiler“.
I don’t work with Vusal C++ that often, but with Delphi. I’m using a lot of windows native ( as in really compiled) applications done either in C++ or Delphi. And will continue to so..
I was a Borland Delphi developer since version 4. but times change and thus your language with it… You should move to C++ and discover how fast it is… currently love to develop with Qt. =)
I have tried Qt and love it. But I prefer Pascal syntax and the IDE, so I’m sticking with Delphi
I’m a confirmed Delphi fan, but I don’t have a problem with using Java, and learning Java. I have serious problems with Java architecture and design, especially I have doubts about JDBC, and Java remoting (its limitations show up while using Jenkins/Hudson and are pretty severe).
There are no silver bullets. But java’s not exactly bad either. Modern C++ Development in the trenches, is however, a monstrosity of accidental complexity.
Warren
I think that Java is best for the enterprise. I just don’t see it on a Desktop. As I mentioned in the post I had several disappointing experiences with applications that looked very promising on their web sites.. Adobe Air is even worse, and a lot of people don’t mind it’s limitations.
Cheers