As a much debated topic over the last half-decade or so, it has to be clear now that Java is beginning to lose it’s grip on the application programming world. Surely anytime something is discussed so often and so passionately, we must conclude that there is some validity to the both sides of the argument. In this case, it’s beginning to look like Java is losing the argument.
I have long since seen the writing on the wall for Java even though it is still the leading platform and language for building robust and scalable web applications, embedded software, etc. Java has a footprint in almost every arena of software. The problem is that it has become simply outdated. It was not built to do what we’re trying to do today.
Now, the “javanistas”, gurus, ninjas and architects are probably going to vehemently disagree; but that’s ok and understandable. To say that Java is still viable and will be around for a very long time would be a huge understatement. When you look at what’s going on in the industry, however you almost have to notice the shifts in technology, where things are headed and the fact that Java does not factor-in as heavily as it used to. Nowadays, when I think about building a new application or website, I first think Grails or (lord help me) PHP or I think to leverage some CMS/platform like Joomla, Wordpress or Drupal. Beginning a new site in Spring MVC / Hibernate or Struts2 / Spring / Hibernate flat out gives me a headache. Again, I’m going to get killed there, but oh well. I’m certainly not the only Java developer that feels this way. I’ve made a (good) living off of Java, but it can be a bear sometimes and many times when things simply shouldn’t be difficult.
The bottom line is that time, politics and business (see Google exec worries over ‘rudderless’ Java) are wearing on the old man. Java’s not quite the new COBOL, but all you young Java gurus might want to take your blinders off that’s all I’m saying.
I am a Java developer too and I agree with you that the writing is on the wall for Java. That’s because I see more new projects starting with platforms other than Java.
Nice article
Comment by Emre — May 4, 2010 @ 3:22 am
Sounds like you need ruby on rails to crank out some web sites or a CMS framework, but if you are truly doing enterprise level work like BI, BPM, complex workflow, mobile development, etc. Then Java is still a great choice.
Comment by Steve — May 4, 2010 @ 11:16 am
agree totally with you.
9+ years java development. I have seen layers and layers of band aids in java. When java first came out, it was great, then they added servlet, (servlet was not good , so they bandaged it with jsp – a copy of the old Ms asp technology – then came jstl, EL to try to fix the spaghetti code that jsp gives riset to, then JSF – again to fix the previous layers to give more pizaz to the user interface- by the way another copy of Ms asp.net web controls, now java fx again to fix previous user interface issues, I am not talking about kludges like awt (replaced by swing), EJB – which gave rise to competing light weight frameworks, like spring, struts, wicket etc..
where is all the madness going to end. why do I have to use such a disparate bunch of idocies to build an application.
I moved to Ruby to keep my productivity and not waste time to learn 2 dozens technologies to build a web application.
Now I am playing with Rebol. (their motto: let’s fight complexity – do it in 1 Mb not in 200 Mb or Gigs.) It’s a cool language that can be run both in the browser or as a desktop client. I mean the same code can run both in a browser or on the desktop, that’s cool man.
Comment by chris — May 4, 2010 @ 10:21 pm
Looks like you’re saying that poor CMS support in Java means the language is going nowhere? Not really a logical conclusion? Investigate Liferay, its a Java CMS which is pretty mature.
I agree that the PHP CMS’s are really easy to use, and are a commodity. Its the cheapest option when hosting a web-site. I’m not so sure these sites scale well, which is why PHP is talking about running on a VM.
With regards to enterprise Java, its really powerful and rich in terms of the language as well as the frameworks. The Java ESB space is growing really well.
Comment by Kiren Pillay — May 5, 2010 @ 5:05 am
This argument would be far more convincing if it cited some stats that support your argument or show how java just isn’t applicable to the use cases of today.
It sounds like you’re bored w/java so are projecting that the industry is bored w/it too.
Comment by ? — May 6, 2010 @ 9:31 am