java in Linux question

[Paul Howarth]

Mauriat Miranda wrote:
> 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.

I wouldn't say it was an "assumption"; it enables multiple java 
implementations but certainly doesn't assume that's what's wanted.

> 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.

True. It would be nice if the JPackage people provided a JRE-only 
solution that skipped all the -devel stuff and would make for smaller 
downloads.

> 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.

Yes, that makes sense.

> 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.

Agreed.

>> 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?

Unfortunately so. It's a shame about Sun's licensing terms that forbid 
distribution of repackaged binaries.

>> 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.

You make good points.

Paul.