[suboptimal]

Java was the Ruby of its day (even though they're almost the same age!).

[michaelneale]

yes I was being tongue in cheek, forgot the smiley.

I thought ruby is quite a bit older.

[suboptimal]

Hey mn,

Java used to be "Oak," and according to our good friend Wikipedia it was created in "June 1991." I thought it was later but guess not. It had the whole set-top box history, and would eventually run our fridges and toasters in the 21st century.

Seriously though, do you remember when Java was released? It was fun! And definitely considered the "hip" language at the time, much like Ruby is now.

I think it's interesting that so many in the Java camp have jumped ship to Ruby, because what is said about Ruby now, was said about Java then.

But they're still nearly the same age, so the ten-year spread in their respective heydays is sort of amusing. It's like Roger Moore supplanting Connery as Bond ten years later, despite the fact he's older. ;)

[michaelneale]

I didn't know that about Roger Moore - well you learn something every day ;)

I read the book by patrick naughton on the history of Oak etc, quite an interesting read.