Hi all,
I’ve been away for a while, and now am seeing things about Java3d coming back (I know some thought it never went away). Can someone fill me in on where this is going?
Basically, I have my idea, etc. for a little game ready, and want to know if I should start developing it in Java3d or JOGL.
(Or will Java3d incorperate JOGL?)
thanks all!
They are two very different things. Java3D is better to compare with Xith3D (which runs on JOGL, and I think also supports LWJGL now).
Java3D is a scene graph, JOGL is plain OpenGL. For gaming I would guess you would want to try Xith3D first.
Hey thanks for the reply.
To follow up though, I was wondering more about official “support” from Sun, and that article about Java3d coming back as the supported Java implementation for 3d. What is the direction sun is heading, and does this make a difference on what I should code my java around? I’ve done a little with Java3d in the past, but put it to the side and looked at JOGL when it looked like Sun was going in that direction. Now not sure which to pick up again.
Ariticle in question…
From: Doug Twilleager Doug.Twilleager@SUN.COM
Reply-To: Discussion list for Java 3D API JAVA3D-INTEREST@JAVA.SUN.COM
To: JAVA3D-INTEREST@JAVA.SUN.COM
Subject: [JAVA3D] ANNOUNCEMENT: Java 3D plans
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 21:28:28 -0800
We take this opportunity to announce that Sun is renewing its
commitment to Java 3D. The highlights of this announcement are:
. Sun is in the process of making the source code for Java 3D
available through a public source license in the very near
future.
. Sun will work with the Java 3D community, via the Java
Community Process (JCP), to actively evolve the API going
forward.
The renewed emphasis on Java 3D complements Sun’s increased efforts
in the desktop space and the recent release of the Java Desktop System
(JDS). More information will be forthcoming, but here are a few
details concerning our plans.
. Sun is right now working on making the source code for Java 3D
available through a public source license. This will be done
via a java.net project, which will include a developer’s web
site and CVS repository. This will allow developers to
download the Java 3D source code, and to contribute bug fixes
and utilities. The time frame for this release is before
JavaOne 2004.
. We will be forming an expert group under the JCP process to
define and implement the next version(s) of the Java 3D API.
Our current thinking is that we want to work with the expert
group to create a 1.4 version of the Java 3D API that will add
programmable shaders, and possibly other critical features, if
they can be done without architectural changes to the
implementation. We hope to get this release out relatively
quickly.
. We also want the expert group to help define the next major
revision (1.5? 2.0?) to the Java 3D API, which could involve
more widespread changes to the API.
We look forward to working with the Java 3D community to move the
API forward.
Doug Twilleager
Sun Microsystems
Sun moves slow…don’t wait for them. Java 3D is probably a bit for general purpose anyway. If you were thinking of making a game with Java 3D you would likely do better with Xith3D. Sun is also in the process of making direct OpenGL bindings… they will likely be based at least somewhat on JOGL. The point is you don’t need Sun’s blessing to use what works now.
Yeah you guys make good points. The slow pace is painful.
I’ll check out those links provided and see what suits my project best, I’ve heard great things about each mentioned.
What exactly are your needs? If you’re precise with your requirements you can get a pretty precise answer at this stage.
Cas 