Apple has optimized Java on Mac OS X to look great and perform superbly, making Mac OS X the ultimate platform for developing and deploying cross-platform Java applications.
Java has become the de-facto standard language for developing cross-platform applications. Recognizing this, Apple has made Java a core component of Mac OS X. Mac OS X includes the full version of Java 2, Standard Edition, version 1.4.2 meaning you have the Java Developer Kit (JDK) and the HotSpot virtual machine (VM) without downloading, installing or configuring anything. And because Apple has optimized Java on Mac OS X, Java applications act as first-class citizens on Mac OS X.
Cross-platform Compatibility
Java applications take on the Aqua look and feel by default and implement Javas graphics directly on top of Quartz, providing the best-looking Java ever. Mac OS X also makes Java applications leaner and faster it reduces the memory footprint of Java applications by providing a version of Java HotSpot VM that implements a mechanism similar to shared libraries. Plus, to help developers get started out of the box, Mac OS X also includes an integrated development environment Xcode.
Safari Supports Applets
On Mac OS X, Java applets work best in Safari, which takes advantage of the latest version of the standard Java Internet Plug-In. Applets load faster than previously and the plug-in supports new advanced caching features for Java classes and JAR files. Certificates used in signed applets are now stored directly in the Mac OS X Keychain, providing centralized access. Whats more, with the Java 1.4.2 Plug-In, Safari supports websites that use LiveConnect for communication between JavaScript and Java applets, letting you work with more Java-based websites than ever before on the Mac.
Protect and Serve
Java is one of the key components of a good server solution. Thats why its a vital part of the Mac OS X Server software for Xserve. In addition, Mac OS X Server includes all of the components necessary to host high-performance J2EE-based applications including JBoss, Apache Tomcat and Apache Axis. As if that werent enough, Xserve also includes a deployment license of the full WebObjects Java application server, so that you can deploy sophisticated web applications right out of the box.
Less Memory, Faster Start
On other platforms, each Java application consumes some system memory, so you might end up using more memory than you need to when running multiple Java applications. Other languages, such as C or C++, solve this problem using whats called shared libraries. Apple developed an innovative new technology that allows Java code to be shared across multiple applications. This reduces the amount of memory that Java applications normally use. And it fits right into Suns Java HotSpot VM, allowing Mac OS X to remain compatible with standard Java. In addition, Apple has given this implementation to Sun so the company can deploy it on other platforms. Its just one example of how Apple supports standards and shares ideas to benefit all.
User Friendly
As with all other Mac OS X applications, accessible Java applications get all the accessibility benefits of Mac OS X, including full keyboard access, visual notifications and the innovative Zoom view, as well as Tigers new integrated VoiceOver screen reader
Scriptable Java Applications
Now Java applications are scriptable on Mac OS X, thanks to the new UI Scripting facility in AppleScript. You can automate your Java applications, selecting menu items, pushing buttons and exchanging data. Its the perfect tool for testing and including Java applications in your workflows.