jReality - the forum

This is an open question posting, just to find out whether or not the time is ripe to move jReality to Java 6. This version of Java is now the standard one and user reaction is quite positive (see http://java.sun.com/javase/community/customers.jsp). Might it be worthwhile for jReality to also move up to Java 6? I would be particularly interested in hearing about any potential negatives in doing so.

I think it depends on our Cave and on the Mima-exhibition. If there won't be problems by using java6, there is nothing to be said against it, in my opinion.

Can you be more specific? What are the restrictions in CAVE (PORTAL?) and Mima exhibition?

what are the advantages?
one disadvantage is (i'm sure you know) the lack of support for java 6 on powerpc-macs. Less and less of a problem each year, but i would say not an insignificant problem yet.

The lack of java 6 on macos (I guess there is no java 6 on 10.5 32bit) is the only reason...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3581:

This release of J2SE 5.0 and J2SE 1.4.2 supports all Intel- and PowerPC-based Macs. Java SE 6 is available on 64-bit, Intel-based Macs only.

gunn wrote:Can you be more specific? What are the restrictions in CAVE (PORTAL?) and Mima exhibition?

Its maybe not so much, but first I want to check if everything is going well, at these two installations, by using java 6.

steffen wrote:The lack of java 6 on macos (I guess there is no java 6 on 10.5 32bit) is the only reason...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3581:

This release of J2SE 5.0 and J2SE 1.4.2 supports all Intel- and PowerPC-based Macs. Java SE 6 is available on 64-bit, Intel-based Macs only.

but still, are there any definitive advantages of using java 6 (performance for example)?

but still, are there any definitive advantages of using java 6 (performance for example)?

We have a couple of ugly hacks to maintain compatibility with java 5. This is a huge disadvantage.

Replying to Kejace:

but still, are there any definitive advantages of using java 6 (performance for example)?

Please check out the link in the original posting. There are lots of testimonials from satisfied customers and many point to speedups of 25-30%. The point is, it won't be any slower and probably noticeably faster.

In general, it seems we're waiting for Andre to come back with reports on the Java 6 compatibility of PORTAL and Mima. Any progress on that front, Andre?

If he reports that all is well, then I would vote for "taking the leap" to Java 6. As of now, no Mac PowerPC user has weighed in with a request to stay with Java 5 :)

I think I already checked it, but I forgot the results...

I think the portal is already using java6 (32bit).
For mima shouldn't be this chance a big problem.

I'll return next week, then I'll check it again and this time I won't forget to post the results here.

cheers Andre

I checked the Portal again and I was right. The Portal is using Java 6 (32bit).
Mima is using Java 6 (32bit), too.

So we can move up to Java 6!

Maybe we can make that official decision at the next jReality meeting?

Here's an update on the status of Java 6:

At the most recent jReality meeting (mid-April) it was decided to stay with Java 5. The primary reason was concern voiced by Steffen Weissmann that Peter Brinkmann (CUNY and jReality developer) would not be able to upgrade some audio software which he uses in conjunction with jReality, to be Java 6. The reasoning was, as long as we're not actively "hurting" by having to program in Java 5, then we should wait as long as we can to upgrade.