Java Programming
29 Jan
My school, in its infinite wisdom, has decided that I need to learn Java. It also seems to think that I can learn this to proficiency in a matter of ten weeks. The first five weeks are considered basic programming. The next five are for the advanced level. Can someone say “rushed”?
It’s a Great Idea
Sales Amount!
Now, I see the ability of the language. It works on all platforms, compiles and packages well, and can be served off the web. These are great things in it’s favor.
It provides the ability to build computer games and mobile information. It has a huge API and you can access numerous types of databases with it. It touts that you have to write less code than with C++.
This is a great start…
But, Something is Missing
Cloogy error messages!
My main problem with Java, as we’re learning it, is that there seems to be a better and easier way to do everything we’re doing in class, particularly if it’s meant to be accessed via the web.
We created a small program to calculate the commission on a sales amount. First, the user was prompted for the sales amount. Then, they were asked to enter the identification number of their role from a list given. This dictated what percent commission they received. Finally, it outputted a final number.
Go go gadget data errors!
I’m completely overwhelmed by questions…
Why is this not just on the web? Why are we not using lighter-weight technologies to accomplish this same thing? We could even throw in a little JavaScript to pull some real interactivity.
Why are we making them input the number on their own rather than selecting it from a drop down or radio button? Why are we not giving the information in the same window? Why are we making them bounce from window to window? This doesn’t even cover the errors that a person can enter.
The Learning Curve
Oh look, data errors.
The problem I’m having here is a problem I have frequently. When I think that I know a simpler, easier way to accomplish the same objective, I want to use that instead. I always want to use the best tool for the job, if I can.
I always want to run before I can walk. Learning to crawl is beyond painful for me.
At least in the next class, we’ll be making a game.
So, what is this class you are taking?
Using Java applets to do this kind of thing is overkill, seriously. If you are going to use Java there are tons of different ways to do this that are all better than Java applets. But I’m with you, doing this kind of thing, on the web, shouldn’t be done this way.
It’s just a Java Programming class.
I think that we’re actually creating stand-alone applications, thankfully. What do you usually do with Java? What do you think the best application of the language are?
Its great that you mentioned JavaScript, as its an example of a weakly typed language.
Java has some advantages when you program in the large; when you’re doing a simple database-driven program, you’d likely use Ruby on Rails for example, not Java, unless your goal was a desktop application (and there are some security and infrastructure dependency reasons to build desktop software).
Java also has a mature set of development tools which I think are superior still to those for web development (finding memory issues in JavaScript is hard, not to mention the fact that JavaScript is a single threaded, blocking language, unlike Java).
And of course Java lets you build server applications which then have lighter weight front end clients (which can then be web or desktop-based). Java is keen for reusable backend components that you want to use from multiple front-end “applications.”
Have fun! – Bob