Listen, if you know a bit of programming in C and need to program unix-type operating systems the next transitive stage is for sure C++. However, have in mind that Java is like learning C but 99% object-oriented(o.o.) and with no pointers or memory-management tricks. It would be good for you to see and from this direction. Afterall, if you are interested in o.o. Java is for you.
In the end is what you really need most or interested in.
Just enjoy !!!
Why Java???
C++ is more flexible, more richable programming language (Java hasn't multiple inheritance or templates, etc)
Yes, Java is almost platform independent, but as consequence very slow. Java also badly supports another languages (it's difficult to use code writing in another language), etc.
May be, if you programming in the Unix enviroment, use C++, and .Net in Microsoft application?
Firstly, let me assure you that Java is more flexible than C++ concerning your points. You can have multiple inheritance by the use of interfaces, inner classes and abstract classes.
You must also know that a deadly diamond of death is better handled in Java than C++(In C++ you use function calls whereas in Java you use inherited interfaces). Thus, you dont interfere with the object-oriented model.
Also, know that in the following months the new java version will include a more wide version of the C++ templates, generics with which you can have templates. Moreover, you must understand that the game of which language is faster is being heard before.
But know that, you can have Java-code even faster than C++ using static blocks of code and a very fast JVM like hotSpot. Of course, in certain cases only. As i said C++ is only in 30% o.o..
Furthermore, know that Java has about more than 5000 classes enriching its very professional application environment whereas C++ hasnt got any standard libraries except from io streams and stl.
Lastly when you say that java badly supports other languages i dont know if you tried JNI(Java Native Interface) or not. You can have JNI-code using C++ or C function calls or even inside a C++ funtion to have a construction of a JVM use java code and then destroy it.
Know also, that all the scripting languages(and i mean all!!!) can be simulated in java native code.
At the end, i dont understand your last question. If you mean what i use for programming then let me tell you that i use both languages in both unix and microsoft applications.
LET ME ASSURE YOU i dont try to compare the two languages. That would be irresponsible from my part since both languages are used where they better fit. I just try to answer your questions.
Im really interested in your reply!!!
Firstly, allow me to make one's apologies for my preceding message.
It's only my opinion, about Java. Also I'm not enough aware about Java. Nevertheless I think that on the whole, C++ -programms is more qualitative, although in this case developing process is more long.
It's absurd to argue
But only one question to you.
As you write code for Microsoft platform, are you used .Net platform?
I'm really interest about your comparison Java against .Net (C# for example as preffered language)
In regard of your question in microsoft platform i use for developing c#, visual studio 6.0 since i was firstly involved with the lanuguage using this development tool. However, as far as .Net is concerned, we use it in the university's windows labs.
Although, ive heard positive attitudes towards the tool, i dont find it very user friendly, especially when i try to make exe files from imported C code files from lan sources. Of course, i havent really use it long so im not the right person to be asked about it.
As far as its other utilities are concerced i didnt have time to explore them yet.
At the time being, ive started using the Borland compiler which seems stable enough.
Of course, as far as Java is concerned i use the sunONEstudio Community Edition in both microsoft and linux platforms. Of course, for the specific tool you need a lot ( i mean a lot !) of memory.
If i understood right from your last question you are asking me to compare sunONEstudio with .Net. Since, i dont really know the .Net i cant be sure what to tell you. I can assure you that the sunONEstuido CE is a very powerful tool. You can even hack from it using the socket API(has to do with programming servers - clients and establishing remote connection). The .Net is not my kind, and i dont know its fields of development.
Thanks!!!