The Java language has created a large, devoted community since its release by Sun Microsystems in the mid-1990s. The flexibility offered by its object-oriented approach and cross-platform compatibility has been a major draw for software developers.
The community also actively works to move Java forward through constant innovation — including major open-source projects like the plug-in based application framework Eclipse Platform — that allows Java to compete with native platforms — such as Windows. However, on a small scale, individual developers that freely distribute their solutions to specific problems can create unnecessary noise that makes searching for credible open-source or commercial solutions more time-consuming.
Free tools can often point you in the right direction, or offer a partial solution to your task. However, if you need help or additional functionality, you may or may not be able to find the answer on an internet forum. A commercial solution is often the most complete, and offers professional support.
Most corporate projects take advantage of both open-source code (either using it under an open license or as a research tool) and commercial products to increase productivity and reduce development time. Clearly defining what you will need from third-party code before beginning your search will help you determine which will fit your needs. Some major considerations are:
- Scalability of tools to meet current and future development requirements
- Areas of development difficulty that could be simplified by third-party libraries
- Need to support backwards compatibility in your application
Once your project requirements are clear, knowing the strengths and limitations of open-source code and commercial products will enable you to make the best decision for your project. Here is a concise list that outlines some of the major pros and cons of open-source Java code versus commercial Java code.
-Javier
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