Starting with java...

[jnew]

I've been working with VB and C for the past years and now I'm starting with Java. I was needing an advice about which is the best Java compiler around.
I've heard about JBuilder 3.5, but for what I've seen the debug mode of this one is really bad. Is there any Java compiler where we can do a debug like on VB. I mean pause the running code, edit the code, ...?

Give me your comments please.

 

[varocho]

I use Visual Cafe 4 and have no complaints. It does include a debugger. Visual Age for Java is also supposed to be pretty good.

 

[wushutwist]

JBuilder 4 and now 5 is the best Java IDE I have used. My major complaint with VC is that it is flaky and crashes at least once a day (kinda like Windows) when working large (1000+ files) projects. On the otherhand JBuilder is solid as a rock and much faster than VC.

Just my thoughts. Wushutwist

 

[pipk]

I actually prefer the earlier versions of JBuilder (e.g. university edition) because it is a lot easier to use and quicker than say version 4. The latter I find a real pain in the arse, and quite slow because it is written in Java :. Failing that, you can always try something like emacs which is free.

 

[meadandale]

As they say, pipk, 'dance with who brung ya'. It is a bit hypocritical to say "I'm a Java developer but I won't use an application 'cause its written in Java".

Granted, large java based GUI applications aren't as fast as native Windoze apps. Native windows apps, however, won't run on Linux/Unix as well as several other OS's, as JBuilder will. I've been using JBuilder 4 for over a year now and while it took awhile to transition over from JBuilder 3.5, I'm glad I made the change. On a fast computer with plenty of RAM (>256MB) it is plenty fast.

 

[pipk]

Aah, sorry meadandale, did i offend your sensibilities? - just because i admit to Java's drawbacks on lower performance machines does not make me a hypocrite. I am entitled to my opinion and you even agree with me!!!! I enjoy using java but that doesn't extend to me being blind to its deficiencies.

And while we are on the subject "I am a java developer" - whered'ya get that from, certainly not from me. It is very presumptious of you to say that, just as it is to accuse me of being a hypocrite.
FYI
I am not a java developer, I am using it for a college project, therefore I am hardly being a hypocrite by allowing a little bit of criticism.

Come on, chill out, don't take it so personally - I wasn't criticising you.

 

[meadandale]

I think you are overreacting a little bit. No, make that alot.

In part, it was meant as a joke; a chide. Obviously you didn't get it. Maybe you lack knowledge of the historical and social context from which I was drawing. If you are studying in London, you are probably unfamiliar with the US farm culture from which this was drawn.

OTOH, I find it strange that you would run, screaming from the moniker "java developer" when you are one of the most frequent posters on this forum and offer quite a bit of Java programming advice. Kinda makes one go "hmmm...".

Maybe you are the one who needs to chill.

 

[pipk]

Well, if you are a US farm boy that explains ALOT. No problem. no harm done. I forgive you :

 

[GT500FOMOCO]

Hey, Sun created Java, so wouldn't their java compiler be the best?

http://java.sun.com

 

[pipk]

I think there is probably a bit of confusion around here anyway, are we talking compilers or IDE's. Because I am sure the last time I looked, JBuilder was bundled with the standard sun compiler anyway? and you can change the compiler you want to use anyhow by changing the settings in JBuilder.

I think the OP is referring the IDE's.

 

[wushutwist]

Also, just because Java was created by Sun doesn't mean their products are the best or that they "know" the most about Java.

Prime example is that Forte(Sun's IDE) sucked real bad for a long time. Java Web Server was terrible and gave way to Tomcat as the Servlet/JSP Reference Implementation. Finally as far as J2EE Application Servers go, Sun's IPlanet Application Server lags far behind WebLogic, WebSphere and others, both in terms of performance and marketshare.

Don't make Sun out to be some Golden Calf. Wushutwist

 

[jnew]

hmmm
This lead to a big confusion for what I see. This kind of "Which is the best" questions allways cause this divergence of opinions
First I'm talking about IDE's not compilers just to clarify.

So, I think I'll try JBuilder 3.5 from your comments. But correct me if I'm wrong, I've played around with this one some time ago and I got the idea that the debug mode was something near awfull. I mean, lets say for example I start running the app on debug mode, now if I want to add a single line of code, can I pause it add the line and then just click "play" again? I'm used to VB you know in VB u can do this, I think Jbuilder didn't allow this, is it true? Do I have to stop running the code, add the new line of code and then run the app again?