Why would a Java Shop want to use Ruby?

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Java has matured as a language and a platform. Within corporate software development groups it is fair to say that Java is in more of a plateau than an innovative phase. Java is trusted. It provides the tools for developers and administrators to get the job done. So why would a Java shop want to use Ruby?

This paper does not set out to fuel a language war between Java and Ruby. Rather, it examines some of the reasons for resistance to Ruby and the challenges for those proposing the use of Ruby in traditional Java organisations. Specific practical benefits of Ruby such as scripts, Rake, internal Domain Specific Languages, metaprogramming, Rails and JRuby are then discussed.

The aim of this talk is to promote more informed decisions about improving a Java shop's business success by augmenting existing skills and techniques with the use of Ruby.

Stream: Ruby

Paper: Why would a Java Shop want to use Ruby?,

Born in Hobart, Keith has been fascinated by computer programming since he was introduced to Pascal by Professor Jan Hext in a Computer Science lecture at Sydney University in 1980. After graduating with a BSc, Keith spent many years developing software on IBM mainframes. This experience left him searching for a more elegant approach. Exploration of Object Orientation and Smalltalk followed before he was enticed by the Java juggernaut. Specialising in Java as a Senior Consultant with Cirrus Technologies Pty Ltd since 2000, Keith has continued to search for more elegant software development approaches and during the last three years has taken an increasing interest in Ruby.