This post originated from an RSS feed registered with Java Buzz by Scott Delap. Original Post: ClientJava.com Interview: BlogBridge creator Pito Salas Feed Title: ClientJava.com Feed URL: http://www.clientjava.com/archives/wireless_mobile.rdf Feed Description: Client/Desktop Related Java Development Latest Java Buzz Posts Latest Java Buzz Posts by Scott Delap Latest Posts From ClientJava.com

BlogBridge is a blog reader designed for the non-technical user to discover, follow and enjoy literally hundreds of feedss without loosing their mind. BlogBridge is an Open Source project, so it is free to download and use. BlogBridge is written in Swing and can be deployed using Java WebStart.

1. First ... simply why Java?
It's a personal thing. I had many years of C++ development and the whole Java thing passed me by. My requirements were that there would be good tool support, and that I could build a really great user experience. I should also mention that even though I was the one who started this project, since then Alex Gureev has been a major contributor of both code and ideas.

2. What has been the most challenging aspect of developing the BlogBridge?
Persitence and concurrence (like everyone :-)

3. How has Java lived up to the task of forming the foundation of a desktop application?
Excellent. My only major compaint is Java WebStart which is really disappointing. In general I have to say that despite Sun's claims to be after the desktop market, they don't act like it. IMHO if you want to conquer the desktop (whether it's Windows, Mac or anything else) you need to start with a 100% reliable way of getting the environment configured and the app installed. It's the price of entry. If you blow that, you are nowhere.

4. Has Swing been fast enough to suite your needs? Specifically, have your initial designs been fast enough out of the gate or have you had to extensively performance tune your models and views?
It's been ok. Where I have seen slowness, I can't consider it Swing's fault, even when its in the UI. Most of the slowness is my own fault!

5. Did you ever seriously consider SWT?
Not really. When I started it didn't exist as a viable option.

6. If you could change one thing in Java/Swing what would it be?
Java WebStart (or a solid cross-platform answer to the deloyment, installation and update problem.

7. How would you rate the evolution of Java/Swing as a desktop development platform from 1.3 - 1.4, and now 1.5?
Sloooooooooow

8. Did look and feel issues have anything to do with your user interface?
Very early on we adopted JGoodies as the user interface framework. It's really excellent. Many people don't believe that BlogBridge is Java when they see it. It looks like a native application on Windows and Mac.

9. How does the fact that Java is cross platform effect your development? Can you code in Java and it just works across operating systems?
No, but it comes very close. With the collection of libraries and development tools, I would say that less 1f40 than 1% of my time is spent on platform specific code, testing or issues, which is quite impressive.

More About BlogBridge

Pito Salas' Blog