I’m in frantic pre-JavaOne mode, which after covering nine previous JavaOnes, feels both familiar and new. The experience is typically a bit of a blur because there are so many tight deadlines that no matter how well I prepare, I end up covering presentations, conducting interviews, and spewing out words and hoping for the best. I enter some altered state that is lost to me afterwards. Sleep is not an option.
Each year there’s a story or several stories floating in the air about “what’s happening with Java” or “the hot thing in programming”. I’m not sure what this year’s story will be, but the need to make Java available to the plethora of scripting languages and Web 2.0 frameworks seems to be on people’s minds.
Java developers are very strong-minded people who have their eyes open to what’s happening around them. JavaOne is a place to get the lowdown, hear the scuttlebutt, to connect, take it all in, renew the faith, gather feathers for the nest, and fly home. It’s a parade that no one wants to see pass them by.
I’ll be interviewing Java Rock Stars – developers whose sessions were top-rated at last year’s conference -- for JavaOne Today, trying to extract the best insight and information they have to offer, plus entertaining personal tidbits. Last year, Java Rock Star Joshua Bloch revealed to my delight that yes, he did plant his mother in the audience for his dissertation defense and have her present a detailed criticism, which he responded to flawlessly after first saying, "Awww Mom!". He also answered another planted question with a rap, complete with recorded rhythm track coming from a boom box concealed under the desk.
I look forward to the tales this year’s Rock Stars will have to tell. A sneak preview: Rock Star Chet Haase has revealed the Next Big Technology Revolution: the banana phone -- fruit that can function as both a communications device and a nutritious snack.
I don’t know whether mathematics and logic and computer science capture any eternal truths that forever wait to be plucked from the skies, but I do know one thing: “Developers just want to have fun.” Which is why I get excited and enjoy JavaOne, despite the stresses – it’s somewhere between a carnival and lecture hall. The energy never ceases to amaze me. It's captivating. Truly.
I’ll also be blogging on sessions, vodcasting from the Pavilion, talking to developers, and – not least -- hobnobbing with Sun friends and colleagues. And who knows what else. There are always surprises at every JavaOne. Here's to JavaOne '08!
For more on JavaOne.
Janice J. Heiss
Subscribe