Introduction to EPOC Java Development
by Richard Bloor
Future Developments
As mentioned in the introduction Symbian are strongly indicating that they see Java as the primary development environment for EPOC applications. C++ will be limited to specialist applications requiring very tight integration with core EPOC services and/or optimal performance. Whereas OPL is likely to remain in use by individual developers, freeware and shareware houses.
EPOC Java Roadmap
Symbian's publicised strategy should result in Release 6 before the end of this year that will bring JavaPhone 1.0 and pJava3.01. Beyond that, early next year (2001) it is currently planned for JavaPhone1.1 and the Connected Device Configuration of the Mobile Information Device profile to be released.
Development plans also include expanding, beyond Windows, the platforms on which the SDK can be run and to make the tools more visual. Release 6 is likely to include many new tools and wizards, although no specific details were available at the time of writing. Interestingly however these plans do not include enabling Java development directly on EPOC and, probably to the great disappointment of the die-hard EPOC community, will not include a JDBC for EPOC's built in relational database. However with the availability of several 3rd Party databases, including Oracle 8i Lite and Sybase's SQL Anywhere Studio Ultralite technology, means the effort of providing this facility is probably not justified in Symbian's view.
License Activity
Some of the shortcomings of the Symbian approach will probably however be addressed by the licensees. Psion appears to have been actively working with a number of Java tools suppliers. Announcements have been made regarding the compatibility of Pointbase and Cloudscape databases and Espital tools. It is likely that Psion will remain the most active in this area as they will benefit most from these developments.
