java in Linux question

[Mauriat Miranda]

On 5/12/06, Paul Howarth <paul at city-fan.org> wrote:
>
> The list of problems on the JavaFAQ page relates to the native Java
> implementation using gcj, not Sun Java. The link Dan referred to for the
> "JPackage method" shows how to install Sun Java in a way that coexists

This method does make the assumption that someone wants both Java
implementations  and wants more than the JRE. I would doubt those are
good assumptions for new users. The "install to /opt" option is just a
16MB download and 5 minutes of configuration, whereas the above
requires 45MB JDK download, repackaging and yum installing for a 132MB
of packages to install. I would say thats a bit excessive (possibly
unnecessary) for new users.

For coexisting, the /opt method co-exists very nicely. It would be
just better to say: "DO NOT install the Sun RPM" and/or "Java
DEVELOPMENT in FC4+ highly recommends Jpackage setup". Which makes
perfect sense as it casts a distinction between developers and common
endusers.

Maybe someone should add to the FAQ: Do I need both the Runtime and
the Compiler? Or something to that effect. There just seems to be some
ambiguity there.

> nicely with other java implementations you might install, and is managed
> using rpm just like most of the other software on the system.

Managed like other rpms ... So if sun put out a 5.0 Update 7 for
security tomorrow would I not be required to repeat the whole process
of compilation from another 45MB download?

> Installing Java "the JPackage way" also has the benefit of making
> available the large number of ready-packaged Java applications in the
> JPackage repository, which is very useful if your interest in Java stems
> from more than just the browser plugin.

If I were to guess, majority of people are interested in merely the
JRE. Don't misunderstand me, the jpackage solution is well done.

This is just my opinion based on what's practical for general recommendations.

-Mauriat