Class: Intro to Java
Instructor: Andy C. Deck
Date: Wed., Mar. 24, 2000

# What is Java ?

In general Java is a language whose
defining characteristics are the following:

* Object oriented

* Resembles C and C++

* Platform independent

* Automated memory management

* Security model designed for Internet

* Can be embedded in WWW site pages

or

* Can serve as application development language

# Where to get information and Java resources:

See: http://artcontext.com/edu/topics/java/javalinks.html

# What do I need to get started?

The JDK or 'Java Development Kit' is a good place to start.
It can be downloaded from www.javasoft.com. (If you have limited
disk space, you might want to search for JDK Version 1.0.2, which
Sun no longer distributes, but could be found using a search engine.)

Note: Mac users with PPC, G3, or G4 chips should look at www.apple.com/java

# What is the nature of the Java controversy with Microsoft?

Java threatens Microsoft's ability to force people to use their
operating system. As Java applications become available that run on
either Windows systems or other existing or emerging systems, computer
users are no longer bound to choose Windows.

See: http://developer.netscape.com/docs/wpapers/javax/javax.html

# What's the future of Java?

This depends on a lot of things! Legal issues.
Distribution problems.  Server-side vs. client side
Java.  JavaOS and JOS.

# What does Andy do with Java?

http://artcontext.com/draw/
http://artcontext.com/java/space/
http://artcontext.com/icontext/
http://turbulence.org/