SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : All About Sun Microsystems -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: Robert who wrote (23360)11/24/1999 5:25:00 PM
From: Thomas Mercer-Hursh  Read Replies (3) | Respond to of 64865
 
One answer to the query about Linux and JVM:

> "do YOU know what the architectural issue is that Linux has that makes it a
> less than perfect Java platform? I'm trying to figure out what Gosling
> meant in an interview I read awhile back when he spoke to Linux (kernel)
> development having chosen a wrong path early on."
>
> Anyone out there know the answer to this one?

I suspect it's that the implementation of threads on Linux is currently "less than perfect".

It sounds like James Gosling would prefer people to run Java on OS/platform's produced by Sun, rather than Linux. He probably targeted areas where Solaris would outperform Linux. I know of no significant or unresolvable kernel deficiencies in the stable (2.2 series) kernel which would significantly impact Java.

True, Linux does have issues - what OS doesn't ? Fortunately thousands of intelligent programmers all over the world are focussed on those issues and a percentage of them are actively working on deficient areas.

Gosling, as the creator of the Java JVM is in a position to influence investors by his words. He's simply using that influence to Sun's benefit. The fact that NT and Win98 are far less the "perfect platform" is overlooked in this instance. Why? I think that Sun's long term strategy rules out Microsoft as a competitor - Microsoft can be overcome, and Sun would like to use the huge market share advantage that NT and Win98 now have to their advantage to popularize Java. But Linux is a far bigger problem.

My views only. Fire away :-)

Grant S. Smith



To: Robert who wrote (23360)11/24/1999 7:36:00 PM
From: JC Jaros  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 64865
 
Linux restricts the number of threads the JVM can run.

This is 'green threads/native threads' as perhaps discussed on blackdown.org? What I get from that (there isn't exactly a faq), is that a second processor is of help (with Linux) when it comes to running Java(?)

What is the practical effect of the thread limitation thing?

Is this an issue for Linux as a JavaServer platform? Is it an issue as a development platform?

Also, what is the reason the Linux JVM is 1.2pre2 while other JVMs are 1.21 (Solaris) and 1.22 (Windows)?

Thanks Robert.

-JCJ