Java for Mac OS X Updated

Apple this week released the first major upgrade to the company's Java implementation since the debut of Mac OS X version 10.2. Java 1.4.1 for Mac OS X is based on Sun's J2SE release with added support for Quartz Extreme and improved memory management. The update incorporates over 60 percent more features than the previous 1.3.1 release, according to Apple.

In order to reduce the amount of memory used by Java applications, Apple has developed technology that allows Java code to be shared across multiple applications. The technology is compatible with Sun's standard Hot Spot virtual machine, and will be contributed to the Java project.

Java 1.4.1 is now scriptable using the UI Scripting facility in AppleScript, currently in beta testing. Java applications can now be automated as easily as native Mac OS X applications.

Safari, Apple's new Web browser in beta, already includes support for the Java 1.4.1 plug-in. New features include caching of Java classes and JAR files, as well as OS X Keychain support for certificates used in signed Java applets. Other Web browsers will likely support the new plug-in in upcoming releases.

Java 1.4.1 for Mac OS X can be downloaded via Software Update. It is compatible with Mac OS X 10.2.3 or later and weighs in at just over 26 MB. Developer resources such as documentation and code examples are also available.