Apple discourages Java, what are our technical capabilities as programmers?

Question

Possible duplicate:
Need to be guided by alternative JVMs for Apple OS X

So, Apple may not create the JVM on its own and not send it with OS X:

http://www.infoq.com/news/2010/10/apple-deprecates-java

We have a huge Java application running on Windows, Linux and OS X (and OS X is a large part of our [rich] user base), what will be, as developers, our options?

Will it be realistic to run our application on another OS X JVM (one Oracle)?

Or is this a transition from Java to be considered? If so, what would it mean technically? Try some automated porting tool (unlike Excelsior Jet for Windows, is there something similar for OS X?)? Rewrite our entire application (which will be huge) on Objective-C and keep two different versions? (one Java and Objective-C one?).

We can also abandon OS X support, at least until Microsoft or Oracle kill Java on Windows.

Answer 1

Will it be realistic to run our application on another OS X JVM (one Oracle)?

It depends on how heavily the graphical interface of your application is used, and how much you / your users care about the Mac's fast graphical interface and user experience for the version of your Mac application.

But yes, it can be completely realistic. Wait and see what Oracle is doing, and meanwhile try Soy Latte .

Or transition from Java to consideration?

Depends on how much effort you have to burn. And how much effort you can justify to support Mac users. No matter how you do it, you will have to support two code files.

We may also refuse support for OS X ...

It is realistic.

... at least until Microsoft or Oracle kill Java on Windows.

This is funny FUD-mongering!

Microsoft cannot do this because they have no control over the Java code base. (If they try to do this with backdoor funds, they will be against the wall for violating antitrust laws ... all over the world.)

Oracle will be crazy to try to do this for many reasons. In addition, they cannot (theoretically) because OpenJDK for Windows codebase is open source and there are other existing high-quality Java implementations for Windows (for example, IBM).

But since we are participating in FUD-mongering, a more likely scenario (compared to the end of the world for Java on Windows):

• Oracle makes a deal with Apple to take over Apple’s rights to a Java-based-Mac-code base.
• Oracle "monetizes its investment" by selling Java-on-Mac licenses to developers or end users.

This will certainly be "in character" for Oracle, and they will be within their rights to do so. This would not make them popular in the open source community, but signs that they really don't care about it.

Answer 2

It depends a lot if Apple makes it an optional download (e.g. Rosetta) or leaves it completely.

If this is an additional download, you are in the same situation as on Windows.

If you refused, you should consider whether OS X will be a supported platform anymore.

In any case, you can seriously consider supporting the OpenJDK project, which is currently the best choice to fill the void that Apple creates here.