Re: What makes Java so special?

** Reply to note from Vernon Hamberg <hambergv@goldengate.net> Mon, 01 Dec 1997 
13:33:09 -0600

> Don't forget polymorphism, which, along with inheritance, gives the
> ability to have different methods of the same name and with different
> arguments. This can be the basis for multiple system access in a server
> each additional platform is not a matter of having "to re-write the
> blasted things" rather, a matter of adding to what already exists.

Vernon, I think it's tough to discuss polymorphism with people who aren't
familiar with OO design. It's tough to think of a collection of dissimilar
objects and invoking the same method call on them all when you aren't sure
what an object is. 

Polymorphism is the cornerstone of extention for classes. It is key to the
ability to code new classes extending old ones. While it facilitates what is
necessary to OO programming, I don't think it can be considered to be a
"purpose" of OO coding. 

> This has intrinsically _nothing_ to do with Java qua Java. Sun never
> promised to deliver what you're talking about, I think. Java is a
> _language_, and that's all. The output of its compiler, according to Sun

Java is more than a language. Java includes the JVM which is a very
important factor in what Java offers us. 

But I think it's important to clarify the differences between the two. While
the JVM overs wonderful platform independance, it has nothing to do with OO
coding. OO coding will advance programming light years, but has nothing to
do with portability.

> >>Obviously, the best combination would be a platform independant client
> >>written in an OO language that addresses a CORBA standard interface. Say, a
> >>Java client talking to a DSOM Java server object. 
> >
> >BINGO!
>   
> Fat Chance!!

:-)

> Vernon Hamberg Systems Software Programmer Old Republic National Title
 

Chris Rehm
Mr.AS400@ibm.net

How often can you afford to be unexpectedly out of business?
Get an AS/400.
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