JavaFX Script Programming Language Raises More Questions Than Answers
The JavaFX Script Programming Language Tutorial by James Weaver at JavaOne 2008 was rather insipid. In my jet-lagged state, it was enough to put me to peaceful slumber. However I had one burning question which I dutifully asked. Unfortunately I didn't get an answer. It was deferred for the end of session, while recognizing its importance (he was just being polite I suppose). I didn't have the energy to bear the whole session, I left.
The burning question is why we need yet another scripting language. The syntax is very similar to Java, Javascript or Groovy. Either Javascript or Groovy could have been used (Groovy would have been my favorite) instead of inventing yet another @#$% scripting language.
A new scripting language means a learning curve for developers. With so many very similar scripting languages, developers are likely to get confused and more time remembering the differences than coding. Overall it is a bad idea not to reuse already tested and tried scripting languages like Javascript or Groovy.
And finally how the hell is Sun going to monetize JavaFX?
BTW: JavaFX isn't released yet. It is targeted for release on August 2008.
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May 7th, 2008 at 11:52 am
That’s one darn good question. I find it ironic that while Adobe gives up its ActionScript 2 syntax and make ActionScript 3 look like Java, Sun is turning JavaFX into a ActionScript 2 wannabe. I think that’s one screw-up. There’s no need for a new language, espeically when it looks like a screwy hybrid of ActionScript 2 and Java. Add some new packages to the existing Java language and then it should be all set. That’s how M$ handles SilverLight. Sun is doing unnecessary hassle here.
May 7th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Angsuman,
I must apologize for deferring your question after I had invited questions. I was looking for questions on the specific example that I was showing at the time, and I felt that your question was more general and I decided to defer it to the end. After reflection, I hope that I didn’t appear rude, because that was not my intent. Please accept my apology, and I hope that I’ll have that opportunity while still at JavaOne.
Thanks,
Jim Wever
May 7th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Him Jim,
I feel bad for taking it to heart. I guess I was rather jetlagged (35+ hours on plane will do that to you). I hope I can meet with you in the JavaOne too. How can we connect?
May 8th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Angsuman,
I completely understand, having been jet-lagged recently myself (traveling to Australia from the US). Best way to connect would be to email me at jim.weaver at lat-inc.com. I’ll be hanging out in the speaker room preparing for a repeat of my JavaFX Tutorial session (which will occur Friday at 1:30 in room 133).
By the way, if you think that your jet-lagged state contributed to your observation that my presentation was “insipid”, may I respectfully ask that you revise that observation? I make every attempt to keep the audience awake and engaged.
Looking forward to meeting you,
Jim Weaver
“Helping you become a JavaFXpert” weblog:
http://JavaFXpert.com