Why do you run/prefer Java on FreeBSD?

[Iang]

Ernst de Haan wrote:
> Java on FreeBSD-folks,
> 
> 
> I intend to write an article on why and when Java on FreeBSD is a good 
> choice. I'd love to get insights from you guys (and girls?).
> 
> So:
> - why do you run Java on FreeBSD (instead of Solaris or Linux)?


For server-side security (#1) and reliability (#2).  Linux 
has traditionally been neither although has got a lot 
better.  Solaris is priced for a big institutions setting, 
and would score well on reliability.


> - do you consider Java on FreeBSD fast?


Reasonably so.  Speed is no real issue.

> - do you consider it stable/reliable?


Yes.


> - do you consider it secure?

Yes, Java as a language.  Java as a platform has some 
security quirks that have to be worked around (crypto 
framework, lack of platform IPC messaging).  I only use J2SE 
and write most code locally.

> - which version of Java are you running?


Currently 1.5, but all since 1.0.

> - was the installation of Java easy or a pain? (or somewhere in between?)


It has never been easy.  Sometimes a real pain, sometimes 
less of a pain.  But once it has done, it has been solid, in 
general, and more robust than Linux implementations (I 
haven't a lot of experience with them, but I've always been 
glad to get back to FreeBSD).

> - how important is Java 1.6 for you?

No plans.

iang