By developing JOODE we’ve got the following problem:
if we use Java 1.5, it’s easier to code things (enums, generics…), but we’ll lose the ability to use it with 1.4.
c_lilian, said that most mac users still use 1.4, so this really seems to be an issue, also if it should be used for applets.
So vote!
But don’t simply vote for 1.4, because you’re not developing it and it actually doesn’t matter to you, but you’ll only want to go save.
Arne
As I mentioned in the other thread the fact that most Mac suers are only at 1.4 is about to go away. Apple engineers have said that Java 5 will be part of the OS X “Software Update” soon. Currently users must manually downloaded it. But when it becomes an automatic update it will get pushed out to a significant portion of the Mac user base without them having to think about it.
Java 5 does only run on the Mac OS X 10.4 and above. I’m not sure what proportion of Mac users that covers, but the adoption of new OS versions in the MAc community seems to be pretty good.
According to my professional web site stats (targeted to java developpers), most mac users (70%) trying our webstart demos are still in 10.3 - java1.4
and half the 10.4 are still with java1.4
these stats are somewhat biased (java developpers) but are based on hundreds of unique downloads.
I’d like to have the Apple stats (or any other) to ponder these numbers…
However if a retroweaver target is added to the builds and if it works fine, I’d be happy to manage 1.4 / 1.5 versions from my (future hobbyist) web site and to let joode live its 1.5 life…
Lilian
Previously I would have gone with 1.4. However, two things have changed:
a) Java 5.0 is now (very recently) on the Mac Software Update.
b) I’m not planning on mass releasing a game anytime soon so the smaller 1.5 install base isn’t a worry to me
So maybe we should just go with the one which is better programming wise.
EDIT: Oh I forgot, OS X 10.3 doesn’t have Java1.5. Due to b) however I don’t really mind about that either.
Will.
I agree.