Skip to main content

Adobe Air Versus Java Write Once Run Anywhere

Java's original intent was to allow developers to write programs and it is supposed to run in any OS without the need to change your code. Hence, it's slogan "Write Once Run Anywhere".

Unfortunately, Java was not really able to fulfill this promise. It is widely known that the different JVMs (Java Virtual Machines) are incompatible with each other.

This is what Adobe AIR promises to solve. And so far if you run Adobe AIR applications like Klok, you will find that it will run exactly the same whether you are using Windows or Linux.

I cannot however answer with regards to Mac. Because right now it appears that Apple, Inc. is not very fond of Adobe, Inc.
Labels:

Comments

Terry said…
Sorry to post so late, but I had to comment. Java executables most certainly DO run everywhere there is is compliant JVM, which is pretty-much EVERYWHERE worth caring about - Windows, Linux, OSX, plus a number of other platforms too. There are few to no incompatibilities for typical, routine apps. It's been a resounding success from that perspective. Where it has failed is on the desktop. The reason for this is probably mostly due to how wretchedly slow the UI toolkits, AWT & Swing were, for so long. They've finally become quite respectable and usable within the last few years, but they garnered such a horrible reputation previously, that few developers have been willing to bother with them at this point - not to mention perhaps the only 'maybe' decent IDE for graphically creating Swing apps is Netbeans, which has been plagued with issues of sluggishness too.

Adobe Air has a chance to succeed where Java on the desktop failed so miserably, in large part, because it doesn't have the horrible history parts of Java do. Perception means a lot! The perception is that java desktop is still slow - that's not particularly true anymore, but that's still the perception is there's probably not a whole lot that'll change that now. Additionally, Adobe have GREAT tools for developing for their technologies - Sun has failed miserably in that department time & time again. Also, particularly with the advent of Flex, I personally believe they've hit upon and excellent programming model which leverages technology that thousands of web developers are familiar with. Anyway, I'm tired of typing now... you probably get my point... I like what Adobe's doing a lot but I wanted to be fair to Java too.
November 6, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Temujin said…
Thanks of your comment Terry. Wow that was even longer than my post.

Anyway, another aspect where AIR trumps Java is simplicity and ease of programming.

Java's philosophy has always been to give developer's "Breadth of Choice". That is why Java programs tend to get complicated with all the different technologies you have to use.

Adobe AIR on the other hand seem to adhere to simplicity and openness. I mean, you don't even have to learn Flex. If you already know HTML and Javascript you will be good to go.
November 7, 2009 at 2:13 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LED Monitor Review: LG FLATRON E2041

My Old AOC CRT Monitor began to show signs of dying. It would occasionally black out for a few seconds. Sometimes lightning streaks  would run across the screen. I bought that monitor way back in 2006. It served me well for 5 years. It was very durable and AOC is a good brand. And so I had no choice but to buy myself a new monitor. I would have preferred another CRT Monitor but they were no longer available. Even the more recent LCD screens are being phased out in favor a the newer LED monitors. LG FLATRON E2041 (This was not my first choice but it was the next best thing available in the computer store I visited). 1600 X 900 Resolution (16:9 Aspect Ratio) Contrast Ratio: 5,000,000:1 Brightness: 250 Cd/m2 Dimensions W/Stand (WHD): 17.44" X 13.78" X 6.54" My Feedback This monitor comes with two connectors VGA and DVI. It comes with a CD that is supposed to contain the manual and monitor drivers. However, when you install the monitor driver contain...
3 comments
Read more

GIMP: How to Enable Wacom Pen Tablet

If you are doing digital graphics in Gimp, whether painting or simply drawing, it is best to use a pen tablet. Wacom is a recognized brand when it comes to pen tablets. Gimp does support it but it is not enabled by default. How to Enable Pen Tablet Support 1. Launch Gimp using your pen tablet. Don't use the mouse to launch Gimp. If you do, Gimp won't detect it. 2. In the menu click Edit>Preference. 3. On the list click "Input Devices". 4. Click "Configure Extended Input Decives". Here is where Gimp gets weird. If you started Gimp for the first time using a mouse, it will say there are no available input device. But if you launched it using the pen tablet, you will see "Wacom Tablet Pressure Stylus" and "Wacom Tablet Eraser" . 5. Click the Close Button 6. Click "Save Input Device Settings Now" so that the pen tablet will still be supported when you launch Gimp next time.
6 comments
Read more

The World is Yours

If you were ever a fan of Scarface, the 1983 film starring Al Pacino, you would remember the last scene. Tony was shot on the back by an assassin. He falls down from the balcony into a small pool in the lobby below. He floated face down in the water. Beside him a statue was shown carrying the inscription "The World is Yours". I'm sure most of you find that humorous inspite of the tragic ending. But why did I mention it? Today I was thinking about eCommerce and I can't help but be amazed at the possibilities available to us today. The world is truly ours but only if we got the imagination to seize it. I'm talking about how any individual can be in their pajamas in the comfort of their bedroom and yet be able to sell a product or a service to practically anyone anywhere in the world. All you need really is just a computer and an internet connection and then you are good to go. It is simply amazing especially if you can remember back in the early 1990...
4 comments
Read more