ControlThink Forums

Chris - I saw mention of a java SDK potentially in the future.  I am interested in what you guys are thinking in terms of what it might look like, as my application will probably be java-based and I've been noodling on how I should wrap your APIs.  At a minimum I'd like to do that in a way that would allow a reasonably transparent transition if/when you produce a java sdk.  best case I would be delighted to be a beta tester for a java sdk.

Regards,
Bill

Bill,

We've been playing with the concept of porting the SDK to both Java and C.  If we have the opportunity to turn these concepts into official products, they'll be functionally similar to the current SDK--but with the unique features and style of the target languages.

For example, if the target language uses Get... and Set... functions instead of properties, you should expect to see that.

In the meantime, we're focusing on continuing to add new functionality to the .NET and .NET CF SDKs, and look forward to your feedback.  For your current Java shell needs, I would do the simplest wrapper that makes sense for your current needs.

And we'd love to have you on our list for a Java SDK beta :)

Chris

For what it's worth - I too am extremely interested in a Java version of the SDK.
Thanks.

Add me to the list of people that would love to see a Java SDK...
In the meantime, in regards to the discussion of wrapping the .NET SDK, what is being thought of or recommended?

• Should I use a generic java lib that wraps .NET libs (I have to see what the leading options are here)?
• Is a web services approach neeed?
• Is there documentation available that covers a lower level conversation between Java and the USB device or is this option not supported?
  

Thanks.

Me too.  I'd like to be able to support non-Windows platforms, since a lot of HA people run Linux servers.

I wonder if a SourceForge project is a possiblity (technically and allowably)...

Joey: there is a ton of intelligence and technology in the DLL itself that you'll need to have the best Z-Wave experience. Building a web service around the DLL is an excellent idea to make this available to other technologies as well, and building a generic wrapper is another good choice.

Mal: is the specific request support for other operating system platforms, or support for Java in particular?

Chris

Chris Walker wrote:

Mal: is the specific request support for other operating system platforms, or support for Java in particular? Chris

There are a number of xPL users who are Linux based, but most of the developers (myself included) prefer Windows.  Currently Linux is supported mainly through a set of Java applications created by one of the group members for whom cross platform support is a major goal.

So, for us a Java solution would be ideal.

Mal

 

 

I'd like to have a Macintosh based solution, so a C library would work famously. I'd also contribute the mods back to who ever wanted 'em.....

Java is slow and dying technology. Having to cart around a 1.5terabyte runtime to support this monster is a nightmare. Long live .NET!

(Okay, I have my garbage bag on, start tossing the rotten tomatoes!)

HoustonFirefox wrote:

(Okay, I have my garbage bag on, start tossing the rotten tomatoes!)

Don't you know that revenge is dish best served cold?  We should really wait for you to think you're in the clear and take the bag off before throwing the fruit :-)

HoustonFirefox wrote:

Java is slow and dying technology. Having to cart around a 1.5terabyte runtime to support this monster is a nightmare. Long live .NET!

I agree Java is horrible, but it is a path to cross-platform support, which can be quite handy in an HA world populated by geeks who insist on running Linux.  For what it's worth, I don't like .Net either :-)

Mal

 

 

mlansell wrote:

I agree Java is horrible, but it is a path to cross-platform support, which can be quite handy in an HA world populated by geeks who insist on running Linux.  For what it's worth, I don't like .Net either :-)

 

But don't you agree that the true promise of HA lies with the home "prosumer" and eventually the non-geeky masses? I think windows is definitely the right technical arc to reach those communities.

And although this is slightly off-topic, I'm curious to hear what you don't like about .NET. Not looking for a religious discussion on technologies, just curious about your statement...

tethys

tethys wrote:

But don't you agree that the true promise of HA lies with the home "prosumer" and eventually the non-geeky masses? I think windows is definitely the right technical arc to reach those communities.

I agree that HA won't really take off until it becomes mainstream, but if you're looking for consumer friendly devices, Z-Wave isn't it, unfortunately.  All the programming, assigning groups, configuration parameters and the clunky remote control interface are way beyond most non-techy people.

tethys wrote:

And although this is slightly off-topic, I'm curious to hear what you don't like about .NET. Not looking for a religious discussion on technologies, just curious about your statement...

Like all these things, it's down to personal preference.  I find the C# code much harder to read than C++, especially with the lack of header files (which are great for viewing the interface at a glance).  All those namespaces make reading the code a chore as well.

 

Yes, add me to the list of wanting to see a Java API too.

However, this being .net and all. Is it simple to e.g. use this API in C# or J# from Microsoft?

The only reason for me wanting a Java API is that I am full time Java coder at work so I'd rather concentrate on getting things done instead of learning a new programming platform. Although at the samples I have seen here it looks very simple!

C# and Java are very close.   Why not learn a little more and add C# .net to your resume.   I am always amazed how many software developers limit themselves.   You will find .net is way ahead of Java and you might not go back.