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Short answer: sure! Use whatever tools you prefer. We're not trying
to start a religious war over the current "best" IDE here. But
some time ago we decided to standardize on Eclipse so that's the
one we will suport.
One benefit
of "real
Java" embedded
systems is that they accept standard Java class files. Any Java
development toolset which includes a Java compiler from the last
two years or so should work OK. All the Java IDEs are based on
the underlying Java tools licensed from Sun, and all will generate
compatible Java class files. They must do this in order to legally
call themselves "Java".
Any vendor who is using a customized subset which does not accept
standard class files is not "real Java" and cannot
legally claim to be Java. It's somewhat like money - it's either
real or counterfeit and there is no gray area in between. There
are many "clean room" Java clones which
do not use code licensed from Sun but which do work with standard
class files -- for example the GNU classpath at the Free Software
Foundation http://www.gnu.org/directory/GNUClasspath.html.
In any case you will need a set of Java tools normally
grouped together into a "JDK" or
Java Development Kit. These include the java compiler (javac), the java JVM to execute java programs
(java), the Java document tool (javadoc), the Java archive tool (jar), and so forth.
You can use your favorite IDE such as JBuilder (my first
Java IDE, and still one of my favorites), JEdit (my favorite
until Eclipse came along in late 2002), RealJ, and there
are many others. Or just use the command line tools. Or
write batch or script files to help automate your builds.
Or use any ext editor, command line Java tools, and Ant to help automate
your builds. More on all those options later.
The main benefit of Eclipse (or another good IDE) is the saving of time. You could frame
a wood house using a framing hammer and nails exclusively or you can make judicious use
of a power nail gun. A good carpenter knows when to do things by hand and when to use power
tools. A good programmer also knows when to develop by hand and when to use power tools.
Eclipse is a free, open source tool which you are free to use personally or commercially.
So is JEdit. JBuilder and other commercial IDEs are not free for commercial use and must
be purchased. Check the license agreement of the tools you plan to use and be sure you
are in compliance with the terms of use. |
