Discussion Questions Week 3 - Essay Example

Running Head: Benefits of Java Benefits of Java and PDA Technology William Council Java provides three core benefits: open source community support, portability and security. PDAs can provide labor and energy savings for meat processing plants. Java was created by Sun Microsystems. It is an object orientated language that is “easy to use.” Developers write Java source code as plain text. Instead of .txt, the file ends in the .java extension. After being compiled, the file has the .class file ending.

(Campione, 2008) Java is an “open source” programming language. Programmers are encouraged to write Java applications. Although that creates challenges with finding the best Java programming solutions, open source unshackles creativity amongst programmers. Sun combats first by centralizing many open source programmers within its Developer Network. It also provides training resources for programmers looking to learn the Java language. Sun’s community approach to Java is one of the platform’s greatest strengths.

Out of the several labels associated with Java, “Write one and run anywhere” is by far the most popular. When a Java program is compiled, it does not use operating specific code. It uses “bytecodes.” All Java applications run inside a Java Virtual Machine. You can create an Java application on a Windows Vista machine that will run equally well on a Linux, Windows 95 or Mac machine. Developers design for Java and not for an operating system. This makes Java very flexible when compared to other programming languages.

Variations of the Java Virtual Machine will run equally well on cell phones, PDA and other small electronic devices. In comparison with other languages, Java applications typically used less code. Some Java applications run slower than OS specific programs. This is a small price for operating system independence. Advances within Java’s virtual machine and compiling are closing the speed gap.Java is one of the most secure programming languages within the industry today. (Riske, 2004) Java applications must receive permission to uses computer resources.

The very nature of the language prevents events like “buffer overloads” which are a weakness within C+. Byte security is one of Java’s core defenses against malicious code. Whenever a Java applet wants to run, it is inspected. Byte security verifies that it is a compiled Java program and not a virus or spyware program. Personal Digital Assistants offer several advantages to businesses. The meat processing industry can save money in energy management and heat and cold management and monitoring.

(Lovatt, 1999) Meat Plant Energy Modeler, MIHeat, Lamb Freezer MBC are software packages designed to run originally on at best a IBM compatible Pentium I. Java versions of these programs could be created. PDA applets that receive data from plant managers regarding energy use can receive instructions on how to adjust the machinery for better efficiency. He would be able to view the plant’s energy usage per ton of dressed meat over a period of time. Data could also be compared with a company’s other meat processing plants.

PDA could also be used to gather and receive data for MIHeat or Lamb Freezer Java applets. The company will experience cost savings by trimming heat expenditures without decreasing plant efficiency.A meat processing plant can experience labor management savings by using PDAs. Each employee would scan a tag or bar code for each piece of meat processed or inspected. Pressing the PDA’s send key transmits this data to a central database for management review. Managers would know who her most productive employees are and track and compare current efficiency levels with the plant’s history.

This system would also allow managers to reassign workers that have completed their assignments to a plant area that is failing to meet its goals.PDAs can provide labor and cost savings to companies. Companies looking to invest in PDA solutions should calculate a cost per employee before purchasing units. Hi tech gadgets are prone to damage, theft or accidental destruction. Utilizing Java, a company could provide “ancient” PDA’s to employees and management could access and review the data on modern PCs.

ReferencesCampione, M & Walrath, K. (2008). The Java technology phenomenon. Retrieved May 13, 2008, from http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/getStarted/intro/index.htmlLovatt, S. (1999). Three software programs for improving energy efficiency and product quality in processing plants. Retrieved May 13, 2008, from http://www.meatandwoolnz.com/download_file.cfm/R_D_BRIEF_46.pdf?id=257,f. Riske, A. (2004). Contrarian Minds: Whitfield Diffie. The secrets of strong security. Retrieved May 13, 2008, from http://research.sun.com/minds/2004-0708/