Do we really need Java?
This may be a little off topic, but what percent of users "out there" still think that Java has any chance at real significance in today's world. I've always been skeptical about Java's potential impact, and frankly I see nothing in the future that would change my opinion. In that respect, while I think Apple should continue to support Java development I hope they aren't putting significant resources towards that end. I mean, I'd much rather see them concentrating on C++/Objective C compiler optimizations (faster runtime, 64-bit support, etc.), OpenGL, new video/audio technologies, security, and general networking standards (among other things).
While Java is certainly a factor in the internet experience, I actually believe that its influence will decrease over the coming years. I read something recently that suggested that Java's methodologies were too firmly rooted in academia and that as a result it was becoming detached from real-world problem solving. That's certainly a debatable point, but I'm beginning to wonder if Java might be the last hold-out from the whole internet/high technology "craze" of the late 90s.
Oh, and I know that Java is used for things other than the internet. But my question is, is Java really that important for the average computer user?
The "flames" may begin now (if anyone cares). 🙂