Mac OS and Java

[semiautomatix]

Hi,

I am busy moving a .net application to Java to ensure it works on Macs.

What I would like to know is what Java (JRE) version I can expect have installed on the client's Macs. From developer.apple.com:

"Mac OS X includes the full version of J2SE 1.5, pre-installed with the Java Development Kit (JDK) and the HotSpot virtual machine (VM), so you don't have to download, install, or configure anything."

I would like all the machines to run a minimum of Java 6 Update 3 due to the fact that J2SE 5.0 is in the EOL transition period; this is to ensure future support and enhancements past 2009.

developer.apple.com has a download of Java for Mac OS X 10.5, Update 1:

"Java for Mac OS X 10.5, Update 1 adds Java SE 6 version 1.6.0_05 to 64-bit Intel Macs."

However, I am not familiar with Macs and am unsure as to what operating system version to expect when I do the installation. For all of those Java users familiar with Mac OS: what should I expect? Will it be possible to install an alternative version of Java (namely JSE6) to all the client Macs?

Thanks

 

[grim42]

Apple supplies Java and updates for Mac OS X users and afaik you cannot install a separate version manually.

The latest available Mac version will be available through the Apple Software Update utility.

According to http://developer.apple.com/java/, the latest version for Leopard (10.5) is 1.6.0_05 as you mentioned.

Note however that many users (including me) are probably still using Tiger (10.4) and I currently have Java version 1.5.0_13 which appears to be the latest available.

I would suggest that you avoid depending on any features specific to 1.6. You may also use the method suggested here:
http://developer.apple.com/technotes/tn2002/tn2110.html
for identifying the version of Java from within your code.

 

[semiautomatix]

Apple supplies Java and updates for Mac OS X users and afaik you cannot install a separate version manually.

The latest available Mac version will be available through the Apple Software Update utility.

According to http://developer.apple.com/java/, the latest version for Leopard (10.5) is 1.6.0_05 as you mentioned.

Note however that many users (including me) are probably still using Tiger (10.4) and I currently have Java version 1.5.0_13 which appears to be the latest available.

I would suggest that you avoid depending on any features specific to 1.6. You may also use the method suggested here:
http://developer.apple.com/technotes/tn2002/tn2110.html
for identifying the version of Java from within your code.

Unfortunately the Swing components are largely version dependent between Java 5 and Java 6. I think I'll have to go with the lowest denominator for now, which will be 1.5.0_13.

Do you think many people still use 10.3 or lower? Java 1.4 is not an option though I'm afraid.

As a final thought: Apple is so keen to port their own version of Java, and lo and behold, it comes installed with Java. However, this makes it impossible for cutting edge development. Apple is screwing themselves over with this so-called marketing ploy.

 

[grim42]

I'm sure a few still use 10.3, lower than that I think would be extremely rare.

Quite a lot of current software (most?) for OS X requires at least 10.4 and with the switch to Intel architecture, etc, I wouldn't imagine that supporting 10.3 is necessary.

Of course it depends on the target users for your app.

 

[semiautomatix]

I'm sure a few still use 10.3, lower than that I think would be extremely rare.

Quite a lot of current software (most?) for OS X requires at least 10.4 and with the switch to Intel architecture, etc, I wouldn't imagine that supporting 10.3 is necessary.

Of course it depends on the target users for your app.

Cool, thanks. Think I'll take my chances and tell any clients that they need at least 10.4 because I won't support lower than that.