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Editor's Viewpoint
There's a lot of hype around Java (what an
understatement!). So, is there substance behind the hype? The answer is an
unequivocal "yes" and "no". The "yes" is that Java is arguably the best OO
language around. Even if you disagree with that statement, I think you would
have to agree that it is a good OO language. And many of the characteristics
that Java "inherited" from Smalltalk allow it to more closely approach
Smalltalk's highly-productive development environment compared to most other
languages, including C++.
The "no" is that Java is immature. There is some
really exciting work being done on class libraries and frameworks, notably the
San Francisco cross-industry reusable framework effort, but Java's class library
is relatively skimpy. At the pace of interest and investment in Java, it is
certain that this will be remedied in record time, but today you will live
without the wealth of choices that Smalltalk and C++ afford today.
With the introduction of VisualAge for Java, we can only hope that IBM achieves the capabilities of VisualAge for Smalltalk. I compare it to Smalltalk because it is more closely allied with the underpinnings of Smalltalk than the other VisualAge products. Therefore, it has the potential to approach and perhaps even surpass what I believe is one of the best development environments available today. Some of the potential is explored in this issue - our "coming out" party for VisualAge for Java! Mark Lorenz Editor in Chief
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