Java is a programming language based on C and C++ that was created so that application developers could “write once, run anywhere,” and is widely used in web applications and software. Java was once the most popular program in its class, but many feel that it is on its way out or is already dead.
There are many speculations running rampant in the blogosphere, including talk of Java becoming just like Cobol, an old, irrelevant platform that is too good to completely ditch. Others talk about Oracle taking over Java and sending it to the grave. But, the point of the matter is that Java is still needed with the continued popularity of polyglot programming and the great things it brings to the Java platform.
Java 7 has been pretty much at a stand-still for four years while two of its sub-projects are refined. Project Lambda will provide Java with lambda expressions, or closures, to the programming language. Project Jigsaw will bring modularity to Java’s core. Oracle announced in December, 2010 that Java 7 has been approved for release, minus Projects Lambda and Jigsaw, which will be included with the Java 8 release. This news disappointed many people.
Most users see the popularity of Java diminishing before their eyes. To keep it afloat, Oracle may have to reach beyond the basic Java information structure and into the Java ecosystem. The Open Source community will really play a part in Java’s revival or demise.
Because Java relies so heavily on APIs and frameworks, the Open Source community is beginning to look at other languages, such as Ruby. At this point, it’s still unclear if Java will be able to improve and provide the innovative experience it once held, and to do this quickly so that developers do not lose interest and focus their attention on something else.