Java: Not just for the server anymore?

Performance problems and potential remedies Java isn't a perfect solution, though: All that portability exacts a cost in terms of performance in a desktop application, and things are no different in an embedded environment. Other problem areas, according to Evans Data's survey results, include a lack of support for "real-time processing," where a processor executes instructions as they come in instead of scheduling them for execution later when an execution queue fills. Poor performance is a common complaint about Java, and the language was never really intended to support real-time processing. As a result, many projects are actually Java hybrids, with Java providing higher-level structure and components like UI and Internet connectivity and a lower-level language, like C, providing direct hardware manipulation and performance-critical components. So where does that leave purist and that "100 percent Java" implementation? A lot of work is currently being done to overcome Java's disadvantages. The most interesting is the advent of silicon chips meant to directly execute Java byte code, removing the need for a resident JVM and thereby markedly improving performance. While such a novel solution may sound like just the ticket, Williams suggests that these chips aren't as widely accepted as you might think. "One issue is price," he said. "Another is that you still have to write some specialised code in non-Java languages in order to directly manipulate the underlying hardware." This essentially leaves you with a hybrid solution again. In addition, Williams said, "There are ongoing attempts to make Java more appropriate for real time. Among the companies involved are Intrinsyc, Esmertec, IBM, NewMonics and, of course, Sun." However, the "100 percent Java" implementation is still a way off. Performance can be improved by faster hardware and more efficient JVMs, but the major stumbling block will likely remain real-time processing. "Java was not originally conceived for real-time applications, and attempts to modify it for real time can deviate from 'true Java.' Staying with true Java is absolutely necessary for portable applications." As it stands now, Williams said, developers have a decision to make. "Do they use Java for some of its benefits, but modified in the interest of performance and thus not fully portable, or do they give up some real-time performance in favor of full Java compliance? There is, at this point, no completely unambiguous solution."

Have your say instantly in the
Tech Update forum. Find out what's where in the new Tech Update with our
Guided Tour. Let the editors know what you think in the
Mailroom.

« Previous
1
2
Next »

Post your comment

In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in.

You can also log in with Facebook. Log in or create your ZDNet UK account below

By signing up for this service, you indicate that you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and understood our Privacy Policy. Questions about membership? Find the answers in the Community FAQ

ZDNet UK Live

openhgs has made the point for Windows 8 multiple monitors without realising it! With Windows 7 you have to switch the mouse and so your focus...

1 hour ago by PatrickG on Windows 8 could speed multi-monitor uptake

Mozilla has threatened to stop supporting Linux. I guess that UBUNTU is going with another browser. I indicated that if Mozilla stops supporting...

3 hours ago by Leslie Satenstein via Facebook on Firefox rapid release improves Fedora Linux

Much as I abhor Microsoft's licensing practices, this is almost certainly down to purchasing IT equipment via 3rd party consultants - you get the...

3 hours ago by Andy Bolstridge via Facebook on 6 million wasted licences and £1,200 PCs: welcome to government IT

@openhgs Windows users have had multiple desktops since Linus started writing Linux. They just haven't shipped as standard because not enough...

19 hours ago by Jack Schofield on Windows 8 could speed multi-monitor uptake

@Phil at Cloud4 What, Microsoft gets £1,200 per PC and £1,622 per server? Gosh, I'm amazed....

19 hours ago by Jack Schofield on 6 million wasted licences and £1,200 PCs: welcome to government IT

You guys have no idea what is going on at Autonomy. Autonomy could have been a much more profitable organization. The sales operations at Autonomy...

21 hours ago by craigsc on HP cuts 27,000 staff as Autonomy chief Lynch leaves

How does this impact on dual or multi booting? Seems to me to more or less prohibit this, from Windows 8 anyway. Will Grub 2 recognise Windows 8,...

21 hours ago by Moley on Windows 8 start-up speed forces USB boot workaround

I don't understand why there cannot be a slight pause during the boot process so the user can press a key. Many operating systems do this, even if...

22 hours ago by apexwm on Windows 8 start-up speed forces USB boot workaround

You can now buy the Xi3 modular computer in the UK at http://www.ocdistribution.com . This can be bought with the Tand3m software, pricing and...

23 hours ago by Gavin Goodman on CES 2012: Xi3 microSERV3R

I agree: Mike Lynch can clearly build a business and manage strategy. I suspect the exit of Mike is more likely the end of a planned handover...

1 day ago by Phil at Cloud4 on HP cuts 27,000 staff as Autonomy chief Lynch leaves

This is unbeleivable government wastage with only one winner... Microsoft 1 - Tax payer Nil!

1 day ago by Phil at Cloud4 on 6 million wasted licences and £1,200 PCs: welcome to government IT

So what do you do when you can't boot into windows? Why can't I just hold Shift while I power up instead of having to boot into windows and click a...

1 day ago by Mispam on Windows 8 start-up speed forces USB boot workaround

I've also seen that Mac OS X for Intel machines is supposed to run in VirtualBox, which would also be a nice solution. I've never tried it though.

1 day ago by apexwm on xTreme Triple Booting: Linux, Mac & Windows

What I wonder is why when companies are caught bang to rights in not providing contracted services, people bend over to smear the customers? Surely...

1 day ago by dave heasman on Virgin throttles broadband for high-speed customers

Strange statement from HP regarding Mike Lynch and not capable of scaling a company. Autonomy was a $7bn purchase which started as a small company...

1 day ago by pjc158 on HP cuts 27,000 staff as Autonomy chief Lynch leaves

Or - possibly, they will destroy business by ensuring people do not invest where there is no return. Another socialist idea, well beyond it's...

1 day ago by lojolondon on Open Data Institute will act as biz incubator

Good stuff Jake, very interesting. Thanks. jw

1 day ago by J.A. Watson on xTreme Triple Booting: Linux, Mac & Windows

"the cost of a second LCD screen is about the same as one day of an office worker's time, so this should soon be recouped in extra productivity."...

1 day ago by openhgs on Windows 8 could speed multi-monitor uptake

I also installed the KDE version; I also will probably try out razorqt since I really haven't had a chance to before. I'm looking forward to the...

2 days ago by Thomas Gellhaus via Facebook on Mageia 2 Released

Acquiring when reinvention/cannibalization is too challenging for a large organization can be an excellent strategy- still, so many mergers stumble...

2 days ago by francisabigail on Ariba buy parks SAP on Oracle's cloud turf

Featured white papers

Latest jobs