Analysts split on Java's future

Java will ride the Web app wave into the future, say two Ovum analysts. However, a Hydrasight analyst thinks Java will diminish in importance and enterprise pervasiveness eventually.

With the departure of Java co-creator James Gosling, after Oracle's acquisition of Sun and Java reportedly slipping in popularity, there is real concern from industry watchers that the programming language is starting to look dated and unable to attract new talent.

According to the Tiobe programming language popularity index released last month, Java is on a "long-term downward trend" and has slipped from its number one spot last year to number two this year. This has pushed C from the number two spot up to the top rank. Hydrasight research director, John Brand, said in an e-mail interview with ZDNet Asia that Java is facing competition from more efficient platforms which make development cheaper and easier.

For more on this story, read Analysts split on Java's future on ZDNet Asia.