[GR-Jug] Java and Scripting

[Dave Brondsema]

Carlus Henry wrote:
> 
> Hey there,
> 
> How many of you out there have used, or currently using, scripting
> languages as a tool for Java Development.  When I say scripting
> languages, I mean those scripting languages that interact with the JVM. 
> Languages like Groovy, Jython, Rhino.  How are you using those
> languages?  Are you deploying them into production applications?  What
> are the main benefits that you can witness by using those languages? 
> How have you integrated them into your daily workflow?

I'm not using any.  The closest I get is JavaServer Faces Expression
Language (now the Unified EL, usable by JSPs and other contexts outside
of JSF).  But the EL is just for referencing properties, not a real
scripting programming language.

> 
> I have not used any of these languages before, but I just read somewhere
> that Rod Johnston said that web application frameworks will be dead
> within the next 3 - 5 years.  It pride myself on Struts, as I am sure
> that many of you do as well, but if there is some truth in this matter,
> then I want to be on target with the next wave of web development
> tools.  I think that what Rod says does carry some weight, and I don't
> want to be stuck in the legacy applications because I don't understand
> the scripting ones. 
> 

I'd be interested in seeing the full context and explanation of Rod's
statement.  Does he mean current web application frameworks will be
dead?  Certainly not all (how can we write webapps without webapp
frameworks!).

I'd differentiate between legacy/future webapp frameworks and
compiled/scripting languages.  JSF has many compelling reasons to be the
next popular webapp framework (at least for Java folks), and it does not
use a scripting language.  And personally I see scripting languages not
as a good solution for webapps, but as a good solution for very small
RAD projects (which may include some webapps).  The reason: when your
project gets above a small one-man codebase you *need* compile-time
checks and IDE assistance.  Complete test coverage (if you're so lucky)
can replace compile-time checks, but AFAIK there is no way to get all
the wonderful IDE assistance with a dynamically-typed scripting language.


-- 
Dave Brondsema
Software Developer
Cornerstone University

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