Java development on a 68k

#1 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 - 04:18 68kMLA

So are there any Java compilers that run on a 68k?

I read some stuff about Symantec Cafe, but I can't find any requirements for it.

I plan to run this on a IIsi with 17mb of RAM.

I'm hoping that an older version of Java won't be a complete system hog. Especially if I can compile it instead of interpreting it.

#2 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 - 04:56 68kMLA

So are there any Java compilers that run on a 68k?

If you're running Mac OS, you're going to be limited to Java 1.1, IIRC.

#3 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 - 05:00 68kMLA

Code Warrior 9 had a Java compiler (compiles to Java bytecode) that should work.

Older Java VMs may be faster on older machines, but I'm guessing that an older Java VM will be slower on new machines (e.g. no JIT compiler).

#4 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 - 12:28 68kMLA

Symantec Cafe definitely works on a 68K, I did first year Uni in 1998 on an LC630 using it. No idea where to find it though. From memory the LC630s had 36MB of RAM. I have a few old versions of CodeWarrior but I think the Java part always required a PowerPC... (at least for the versions I have).

#5 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 - 15:40 68kMLA

this sounds interesting.

#6 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 - 21:30 68kMLA

The phrases 'don't' and 'bother' spring to mind... but seriously Java has some fairly hefty overheads - the versions that even work on 68ks are so out of date and long-deprecated that I doubt you'd even learn much useful by developing on a 68k. You'd be better off using C and Codewarrior to develop apps that way.

Of course don't let that stop you - loss of all reason and common sense in the name of 'because I can' is one thing that this place has in abundance! [

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#7 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 - 00:31 68kMLA

loss of all reason and common sense in the name of 'because I can' is one thing that this place has in abundance!

Very well said.

#8 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 - 02:59 68kMLA

I don't know why but for some reason I really want to do this project in Java. Don't know why C++ would be just fine. I already know both languages, so that really is not a problem.

Any way I bought a copy of Symantec Cafe from eBay today. Guess I'll give it a spin.

Though I have to say that SVP hit the nail right on the head.