Quote:
Originally Posted by Kitmor
I believe that both C++ and Java are equally capable languages for the type of robot programming that we are doing in FRC. So what it comes down to is a matter of personal preference.
I personally have a dislike for all interpreted languages, it just seems like a clumsy to me. I have spent about the same amount of time working with C++ as I have with Java, and I personally find Java a more frustrating language to program in. I understand that part of the goal of Java was to force an object oriented design of the programmer, and while I like this concept, I dislike how restrictive it makes the Java language.
I have had teachers that raved about Java, saying it's the best thing since sliced bread, and while I respect my teachers.... I have to respectively disagree. Java is possibly a good learning tool, but for making clean, efficient programs, it's just not the thing for the job.
-Kit
P.S.
I would also have to disagree about the strong point of Java being it's GUI abilities. If you take and C++ compiler and add on a nice graphics library like QT, Java is no match. The language is just all around clumsy.
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I have found that its "restiveness" is actually one of its strengths, especially with regards to FIRST. C and C++ take longer to debug, and as has been discussed in other threads, the biggest restriction to programmers is the time they get with the robot, so being able to debug quickly is critical.
Java is certainly a pig of a language, but I also like using it for backends to an GUI. I use Flex (which is also a pig) but ports nicely now with Java since flash builder 4 and blazeds. I really like OO, especially from an architecture standpoint and flex brings OO development to web and desktop dev. So even though it is a pig, it is easier to debug and I find it easier to build with.
Then again from my experiences, people who love c and c++ hate flex.
(lets not get started on steve jobs....

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