Java on Mac OS X Server: game over?

Question

As a developer currently working in a web application using the Java / Tomcat backend, Apple’s recent announcement of a decrease in Java is terrifying to me. Mostly because I plan to host this web application on Mac OS X Server (already at 10.5, 10.6 coming soon).

From http://www.appleoutsider.com/2010/10/22/java/ :

Since Intel transition, creating a VM virtual machine for Darwin is almost trivial.

It's true? Is there a document somewhere that describes how to create a headless Java virtual machine for Mac OS X Server?

Answer 1

You can build OpenJDK on Mac OS X without too much trouble. It only has Windows and X11 interfaces, but since you are asking to decapitate the JVM, this should not be a problem for you.

OpenJDK prebuilt binaries are also available for Mac OS X. See the SoyLatte project (a Java Research License may be required):

• http://landonf.bikemonkey.org/static/soylatte/#get

Please note that SoyLatte has recently become part of the OpenJDK BSD-Port project:

• http://openjdk.java.net/projects/bsd-port/

Answer 2

Building instructions for OpenJDK on OS X Snow Leopard can be found at http://wikis.sun.com/display/OpenJDK/BSDPort . Apparently. Tomcat works great with OpenJDK, so you should not have any real problems (even if Oracle never rises and becomes an “official” JDK).