Is Java the right language for me?
JL
Fortran, VBA, Matlab, etc. but i've never created a standalone
executable program. I would like to do this and have a modern looking
GUI. I've been teaching myself Java because that seems to be what
people are recommending for my needs, but i'm confused. How do Java
applications become .exe programs? It seems like most windows
applications are created using Visual Basic. Can someone advise me on
what language might be best to start learning to create standalone,
broadly compatible application (possibly web applications as well)?
Thanks!
Eric Sosman
> I have some experience with programming in languages such as C++,
> Fortran, VBA, Matlab, etc. but i've never created a standalone
> executable program.
This seems odd. I don't know about VBA and Matlab, but C++
and Fortran are usually compile-to-executable implementations.
Interpreted implementations are possible, I guess, and might have
value as debugging aids or for rapid prototyping, but my belief
is that they're pretty rare.
> I would like to do this and have a modern looking
> GUI. I've been teaching myself Java because that seems to be what
> people are recommending for my needs, but i'm confused. How do Java
> applications become .exe programs?
They don't, usually. (There's supposed to be a compiler and
run-time around somewhere that packages Java this way; I've never
used it and don't know whether it's any good.) Java .class files
are usually loaded and executed by a Java Virtual Machine, which
ordinarily uses a mixture of interpretive and translate-to-
machine-code techniques to do what the .class files tell it.
> It seems like most windows
> applications are created using Visual Basic. Can someone advise me on
> what language might be best to start learning to create standalone,
> broadly compatible application (possibly web applications as well)?
Java is a reasonable language, pleasant in many respects and
awkward in others. I can't tell you whether that meets your
criteria for "best." Also, I still don't know what "standalone"
means, if your C++ and Fortran programs don't qualify.
--
Eric Sosman
eso...@ieee-dot-org.invalid
Roedy Green
wrote, quoted or indirectly quoted someone who said :
see http://mindprod.com/jgloss/gettingstarted.html
Normally Java programs do not become exe programs, but they can if you
use a native compiler such as Jet.
See http://mindprod.com/jgloss/jet.html
Usually they become *.class files and bundled up into *.jar files.
From there you can execute them with
java.exe -jar xxxx.jar
or you can set up a Windows association so you just type
xxxx.jar
and they will be handed to java.exe for execution.
The nice thing about Java for learning GUIs is that it has no quirky
platform specific stuff. You learn what is common to all GUIs.
Your java app runs on Linux, Windows, Mac etc. without even
recompiling.
--
Roedy Green Canadian Mind Products
http://mindprod.com
If you think it�s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.
~ Red Adair (born: 1915-06-18 died: 2004-08-07 at age: 89)
Brian Gaff
executable at the end.
Whatever you do though, and if you want your software to be used by blind
folk, I'd check out what libraries and conventions you need to address in
any chosen language to achieve accessability. Obviously, it depends on what
operating system you want your software to run in, and what sort of
application you want to write. Some languages will lend themselves to
certain uses, whether compiled or otherwise.
Brian
--
Brian Gaff....Note, this account does not accept Bcc: email.
graphics are great, but the blind can't hear them
Email: bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"JL" <jlon...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:e51fb977-b77a-48e7...@r14g2000vbc.googlegroups.com...
Andrew Thompson
> ..How do Java applications become .exe programs?
As mentioned, they generally don't. See Java Webstart
for a slick installer that works off the net and provides.
- automatic updates.
- desktop integration (menu items, desktop shortcut).
- splash screens.
- file associations.
- and much more..
(JWS will also work for Mac and Linux, unlike an exe.)
--
Andrew T.
pscode.org
markspace
> How do Java
> applications become .exe programs?
Not .exe files, but I just happened to be looking at JDIC for Java and I
noticed that it comes with a packager the bundles JNLP files into MSI
files for Windows (along with RPM and SVR4 too).
Just thought I'd point that out, I'm not really sure still if Java is
for you.
JL
confused. i guess all the programs i wrote were always executed
within the compiler. i never created an actual installation package
that someone could install on their computer and run. i suppose i
could have in C++ but that was a long time ago and the VBA i have done
all worked within and required excel. I realize that it is similar to
VB which can be complied to .exe, but i'm not sure investing my time
in that language is efficient use of my time. it seems very easy to
learn and use as far as GUI but i've heard it has limitations. java
seems to be very thorough, but i don't really know of any applications
that i use that are java. i'm thinking about the many common programs
that everyday people download and install on their computers. it
seems like the average person would not know what to do with a .jar
or .class file. i want to create programs that average people can
install and use.
Roedy Green
wrote, quoted or indirectly quoted someone who said :
> i guess all the programs i wrote were always executed
>within the compiler.
It probably was run within the IDE. The IDE asks the compiler to
product a class file, then it asks Java.exe to run the class file.
This all happens transparently. When you want to give the program to
others, you usually use ANT to create a jar and then a zip, and
possibly a bundler so that the program is easier to install.
--
Roedy Green Canadian Mind Products
http://mindprod.com
If you give someone a program, you will frustrate them for a day; if you teach them how to program, you will frustrate them for a lifetime.