Web Performance Tuning

Chapter 16. Java

What Java Does for You

Java provides an elegant solution to many long-standing programming problems and even solves a few new problems that became apparent only with the rise of the Web.

Since Java bytecode runs in a virtual machine, the same program will run on very different computers without porting or recompilation as long as there is an up-to-date Java virtual machine ( JVM) on the target computer. There are JVMs already for all major architectures, from handhelds to mainframes, and the same bytecode can run on all of them. This frees software developers from the onerous task of porting while giving them the largest possible market for their software.

Since applets are distributed just before use, there is never a revision control problem or any cost to distribution of new code. Java’s flexibility also gives end users the freedom to choose whatever hardware and operating system fit their needs best.

There is no advantage to the programmer or consumer in limiting the platforms software will run on; the benefit is solely to the platform vendor. There is also no benefit to the consumer in limiting the choice of operating systems, yet as of this writing, it is impossible to buy an assembled PC without paying for Microsoft Windows, whether you want it or not. Java levels the playing field, producing more competition and more choice for consumers in the hardware and OS arena while making it possible to scale business applications across the entire range of available ...