Bearfruit

Comparing Java and PHP for web applications: Yes, it’s been a while since I last blogged. A lot of interesting things have happened, but one very interesting turn is that my current programming project requires the use of Java instead of my usual PHP.

The biggest difference that I see at the outset of this project can best be summarized by the following analogy:
Imagine that you’re working on your bicycle, adjusting the rear tire. You need to give a whack so you what do you do?
a: You notice that you have a hefty pair of pliers near by so you grab them and give the wheel a whack
b: You walk out to the garage, grab your toolbox, find a mallet, walk back to your bike and give the wheel a whack

PHP is a: Java is b: Don’t read too much into the analogy… like most analogies there’s only a superficial similarity. The point is that with PHP you can often do simple tasks quickly and easily. However, if you found that you were giving frequent whacks, you might abuse your pliers. For small tasks, Java feels like an 800 pound gorilla, but if you need to do a lot of whacking, it’s probably worth the trip to the garage to get the mallet.