TweetFollow Us on Twitter

Sep 97 MacTech Online

Volume Number: 13 (1997)
Issue Number: 9
Column Tag: MacTech Online

MacTech Online

by Nicholas C. "nick.c" DeMello <online@mactech.com>

No coffee jokes. Simply put: it's time to get serious about Java. The promise of Java was that Java compiled code would not be restricted to a specific type of computer. While a C program must be compiled for a single chipset (Power PC, Mac 68k, Pentium, NeXT, etc.), Java was intended to be compiled for a virtual machine. Java virtual machines (Java interpreters) could be created for all platforms, so the program you compile on your Mac could then be copied to -- and run on -- any computer your customer might own.

That was the theory. But before it could happen Mac OS resident Java developers needed a Mac OS virtual machine. We also needed Mac OS Java compilers, sufficient documentation, tutorials and example code to get started. Guess what? The tools are online. Java is ready for us and it's time to get to work.

Starting Points

Sun has put a wealth of Java documentation online, including a description of the history and nature of Java by Jason English -- definitely worth reading. A good starting point for exploring Mac OS Java resources is the Apple Flavored Java pages and make sure to check out the ACM Java Pages by Omar Patiño Sileceo for other valuable links.

At MacWorld this year Apple announced Macintosh Runtime Java 1.0--a Java virtual machine for the Mac. Mac OS 8 will incorporate MRJ 1.02 (available now on Apple's Java site), and Apple is expected to ship MRJ 1.5 (final) one month after Mac OS 8 is released. MRJ 1.5 includes a JIT (just in time) component but is not fully Java 1.1.1 compliant. Early tests indicate MRJ 1.5 will have tremendous performance boost due to its JIT component. Webintosh's JVM Showdown has an excellent discussion of what JIT is and how it effects JVM performance.

Sun's Java Documentation
http://www.javasoft.com/docs/
Apple Flavored Java
http://www.mbmdesigns.com/macjava/
The ACM Java Pages, by Omar Patiño Siliceo
http://acm.org/~ops/java.html
MRJ, Runtime Java for the Mac
http://applejava.apple.com/
The JVM Showdown
http://www.webintosh.com/features/jvm.html

Getting Educated

Mary Campione and Kathy Walrath have authored the definitive Java Tutorial, an amazingly deep, multi-layered document that is really five tutorials in one. The five sections offer increasingly challenging content: the basics of Java programs; writing applets; creating a user interface; networking & security issues; and integrating native methods into Java programs. Another good introductory tutorial is Elliote Rusty Harold's "Brewing Java" site.

When you get past the basics check out two advanced tutorials by Stefan Koch and Nelson Yu. Stefan's "KneeDeep" in Java site requires a working knowledge of Java, but will lead you through some very kool projects. The AWT tutorial gets into the details of how to use the abstract window toolkit to manipulate many standard GUI components such as buttons, lists, menus, and text areas. It also requires a working knowledge of Java.

The Java Tutorial, by Mary Campione and Kathy Walrath
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/
http://java.cs.uni-magdeburg.de/java/dokus/Tutorial/
Brewing Java by Elliotte Rusty Harold
http://sunsite.unc.edu/javafaq/javatutorial.html
KneeDeep in Java by Stefan Koch
http://rummelplatz.uni-mannheim.de/~skoch/javatut/kneedeep.htm
Nelson Yu's AWT Tutorial
http://java.cs.uni-magdeburg.de/dokus/AWT.Tutorial/AWT.Tutorial.html

The Java FAQ at digital focus is host to two essential Java references. Click on the "How do I...?" or "Java resources" links to post and answer Java questions or tour one of the most extensive collection of Java links on the web. Usenet's comp.lang.java newsgroup has recently been divided into eight component newsgroups, but the comp.lang.java FAQ lives on. It is regularly posted to comp.lang.java.programmer, and can also be accessed on the sunsite web server. Looking for example code? Visit the Java Class Warehouse, GeoJava Corner, and Gamelin's Java Tools page.

The Java Developer FAQ
http://www.digitalfocus.com/digitalfocus/faq/index.html
How do I ...?
http://www.digitalfocus.com/digitalfocus/faq/howdoi.html
The comp.lang.java newgroups
http://www.javasoft.com/aboutJava/newsgroups.html
The comp.lang.java FAQ
http://sunsite.unc.edu/javafaq/javafaq.html
The Java Class Warehouse
http://www.jtauber.com/java/jcw
GeoJava Corner
http://www.ggrweb.com/geojava/
Gamelin's Java Tools Page
http://java.developer.com/pages/Gamelan.util.html

Parting Shots

That's it for our tour of Java. We'll leave you with a few final links to explore on your own. Keep your eye on Marimba. The Castanet technology is still rough, but very promising...

Marimba, home of Castanet, Streaming Java, Castanet will be included in Mac OS 8
http://www.marimba.com/
WWDC '97, Internet Technologies Track, Where Apple is going with Java
http://devworld.apple.com/dev/WWDC/internettechnologies.html
 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Combo Quest (Games)
Combo Quest 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Combo Quest is an epic, time tap role-playing adventure. In this unique masterpiece, you are a knight on a heroic quest to retrieve... | Read more »
Hero Emblems (Games)
Hero Emblems 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: ** 25% OFF for a limited time to celebrate the release ** ** Note for iPhone 6 user: If it doesn't run fullscreen on your device... | Read more »
Puzzle Blitz (Games)
Puzzle Blitz 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Puzzle Blitz is a frantic puzzle solving race against the clock! Solve as many puzzles as you can, before time runs out! You have... | Read more »
Sky Patrol (Games)
Sky Patrol 1.0.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0.1 (iTunes) Description: 'Strategic Twist On The Classic Shooter Genre' - Indie Game Mag... | Read more »
The Princess Bride - The Official Game...
The Princess Bride - The Official Game 1.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $3.99, Version: 1.1 (iTunes) Description: An epic game based on the beloved classic movie? Inconceivable! Play the world of The Princess Bride... | Read more »
Frozen Synapse (Games)
Frozen Synapse 1.0 Device: iOS iPhone Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Frozen Synapse is a multi-award-winning tactical game. (Full cross-play with desktop and tablet versions) 9/10 Edge 9/10 Eurogamer... | Read more »
Space Marshals (Games)
Space Marshals 1.0.1 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $4.99, Version: 1.0.1 (iTunes) Description: ### IMPORTANT ### Please note that iPhone 4 is not supported. Space Marshals is a Sci-fi Wild West adventure taking place... | Read more »
Battle Slimes (Games)
Battle Slimes 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: BATTLE SLIMES is a fun local multiplayer game. Control speedy & bouncy slime blobs as you compete with friends and family.... | Read more »
Spectrum - 3D Avenue (Games)
Spectrum - 3D Avenue 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $2.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: "Spectrum is a pretty cool take on twitchy/reaction-based gameplay with enough complexity and style to stand out from the... | Read more »
Drop Wizard (Games)
Drop Wizard 1.0 Device: iOS Universal Category: Games Price: $1.99, Version: 1.0 (iTunes) Description: Bring back the joy of arcade games! Drop Wizard is an action arcade game where you play as Teo, a wizard on a quest to save his... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

13-inch M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off...
Amazon has new 13″ M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off MSRP right now, starting at $849. Sale prices apply to most colors and configurations. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a... Read more
15-inch M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off...
Amazon has new 15″ M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off Apple’s MSRP, starting at $1049. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: – 15″ M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $1049, $... Read more
Amazon is offering a $50 discount on Apple’s...
Amazon has Apple’s 11th-generation A16 iPads in stock on sale for $50 (or a little more) off MSRP this week. Shipping is free: – 11″ 11th-generation 128GB WiFi iPads: $299 $50 off MSRP – 11″ 11th-... Read more
Clearance 13-inch M1 MacBook Airs available f...
Walmart has clearance, but new, Apple 13″ M1 MacBook Airs (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) available online for $649, $360 off original MSRP, in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold colors. These are new MacBooks for... Read more
iPad minis on sale for $100 off Apple’s MSRP...
Amazon is offering $100 discounts (up to 20% off) on Apple’s newest 2024 WiFi iPad minis, each with free shipping. These are the lowest prices available for new minis among the Apple retailers we... Read more
AirPods Max headphones on sale for $479, $70...
Amazon has AirPods Max with USB-C on sale for $479.99 in all colors. Shipping is free. Their price is $70 off Apple’s MSRP, and it’s the lowest price available today for AirPods Max. Keep an eye on... Read more
14-inch M4 Pro/M4 Max MacBook Pros on sale th...
Don’t pay full price! Get a new 14″ MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro or M4 Max CPU for up to $320 off Apple’s MSRP this weekend at these retailers…they are the lowest prices available for these MacBook... Read more
Get a 15-inch M4 MacBook Air for $150 off App...
A couple of Apple retailers are offering $150 discounts on new 15″ M4 MacBook Airs this weekend. Prices at these retailers start at $1049: (1): Amazon has new 15″ M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $150 off... Read more
Unreal Mobile is offering a $100 discount on...
Unreal Mobile, an MVNO using AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks, is offering a $100 discount on any new iPhone with service. This includes new iPhone 16 models as well as iPhone 15, 13, and SE phones... Read more
16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pros on sale for $250-...
Don’t pay full price! Amazon has 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pros (Silver or Black colors) on sale right now for up to $300 off Apple’s MSRP. Shipping is free. These are the lowest prices currently... Read more

Jobs Board

All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.