Java Enters RIA with JavaFX

Before Ajax and JavaScript was used, Java has been the programming language that was used in developing websites which offered enhanced web based experience. Although it may require users to download the latest version of Java before any of the Java based application could be implemented.

Through Java, user interaction has become a reality. Prior to Ajax and JavaScript, Java was neck to neck with Adobe’s Flash.

When the concept of Ajax spread like wildfire among developers – Java was left out. Flash still continues to live through video streaming websites and simple games developed by small developers. Java may still be living in mobile phones but the increasing capacity of mobile phones has diminished the practicality of installing Java applications in mobile phones.

However Flash, particularly its maker Adobe, has moved forward in improving user experience through Flex. Microsoft, who has never been in competition because they have focused on windows and their updates, have moved forward and presented developers with Silverlight. Flex and Silverlight have been competing with Ajax. Java on the other hand has sought help of Google through GWT (Google Web Toolkit) in helping developers build an Ajax based application.

Java’s Platform of Ambition

Java finally joined the RIA game by releasing JavaFX. Java is a little bit late in presenting their RIA platform but they claim that JavaFX will quickly have a hold to developers because Java is already installed in billions of computing devices worldwide.

This is quite an ambition because JavaFX will not only be facing the challenge of Flex and Silverlight but also in Ajax. The influence of Ajax is almost undeniable and JavaFX may have a very hard time cracking that trend and defeat Flex and Silverlight. Not only that, Flex have already been in business for years and it is only in recent months that they have finally offered something tangible for users.

JavaFX understands this challenge and they know they cannot do it alone. That is why JavaFX have already provided developers a preview of their upcoming SDK. Based on the preview, the kit would include the following:

• Compiler tools
• Runtime
• Media libraries
• 2D graphics
• NetBeans 1.6 IDE
• JavaFX Plug-in
• Sample codes

The list is quite impressive but JavaFX did not stop there. After releasing JavaFX 1.0 in fall, JavaFX Mobile is projected to be released spring of 2009 and JavaFX for TV by the end of 2009.

But JavaFX has been under a lot of criticism lately because of their inability to show the true power of JavaFX. An example – the official website of JavaFX ("www.javafx.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow") itself is not built on JavaFX. The website sadly runs in Ajax with the help of Quicktime for their media files.

Maybe Java is keeping JavaFX so that we could be surprised on its abilities on what it could do. But for now, if they are hoping to impress developers with their upcoming RIA development tool, they may have started in a wrong footing.