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Linux and Java: What's the scoop?

Discover the skills you need to program Java on Linux

By Tony Sintes, JavaWorld.com, 07/07/00

I have two requests:

1. I would appreciate a pointer to a list of Web resources that outline how to integrate Java on the Linux platform.
2. What Unix/Linux knowledge should one possess for working as a Java developer on these platforms?

Luckily for you, I've spent some time getting acquainted with Java and Linux lately. While I was at JavaOne this June, I had the opportunity to attend numerous technical sessions dealing with Java and Linux. Judging by the Linux presence at JavaOne, it's safe to say that Linux and Java are hot! However, Linux and Java were not always a good match. In the past, Linux's support for Java was sketchy at best. In fact, Sun only began to officially support Linux recently. For that reason, Linux Java support is still a bit immature when compared to other platforms. However, the situation is quickly changing, especially now that Sun is totally committed to Linux.

In fact, I just received my copy of IBM's VisualAge for Java 3.0. Not only did the box contain versions for Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, and OS/2, it even contained a version for Linux. With companies such as IBM and Sun on the bandwagon, you know the situation is looking up.

Now, to answer your specific questions.

1. I would appreciate a pointer to a list of Web resources that outline how to integrate Java on the Linux platform.

You'll need a few essential tools to get Java set up on Linux.

First, you'll need a JDK. Luckily, you have a few JDK choices under Linux. Here are some of them:

• Sun Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE)
• Sun Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE)
• IBM Java Developer Kit
• Blackdown
• Kaffe

Which one you pick depends on what you are looking for. Each has its own benefits and weaknesses. You'll have to choose wisely!

Second, you need a programming environment. This is a very controversial subject, so please forgive me if I leave any out. If you want to work at the most rudimentary level, all you need is a text editor. If you're happy with vi, Emacs, or XEmacs, more power to you!

If you need a little more from your environment, you might want to consider one of the free commercial IDEs. Instead of providing you with my own pathetic list of IDEs, let me point you to JavaWorld's excellent list (provided in the Resources section below).

Personally, I just love VisualAge; however JBuilder is an excellent choice as well. Again, these decisions are best left to personal preference. Look at the list, read the descriptions, and try one (or more). Many are free, but others will cost you.

Finally, depending on what kind of work you're planning to do, you might need application servers, Web servers, databases, or middleware layers. Take a look in Resources for links.

2. What Unix/Linux knowledge should one possess for working as a Java developer on these platforms?

As far as knowledge goes, you'll need a bit more to get Java working on Linux than you would on Windows. Some of the earlier Linux JDKs were harder to install than their Windows counterparts. However, the situation is improving. Many providers are even supplying their JDKs in Red Hat's RPM format.

 

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