Re: Value of Java

John,

> What are the benefits? Quicker development time?

i believe the learning curve will keep you from being as productive for a
reasonably long time.

> Quicker running apps?

i suppose it gets better each release, and i suppose it really depends on
what you're doing, but no, java won't run most things faster than RPG can.

> Are most iSeries shops programming in Java?

that would be an unqualified no, not yet anyway.  I believe no more than
10% of iseries shops have done more than a little dabbling in java.
probably less.

most enterprise line-of-business, mission-critical programming is still
done in rpg.  I would even say there is still more COBOL than java
currently being done on the 400.

java is more for add-ons, web-facing, gui-facing, email/xml/platform
interfacing, etc.

should you learn it?   it depends on what you want to do.

are you wanting to deploy browser capable apps? GUI front ends to
greenscreen programs?  create interfaces from the 400 to other platforms?

if you answered yes to any of the above, then java might be something to
look into, though certainly not the only answer.

if you said no to all, then learning java might help you in your next job,
but not this one.

jmho,

rick