I used to think that Java programmers were coddled. I entered computers before that language. So I have learned to deal with memory management, pointer arithmetic, and rewriting the program for different platforms. That’s what real programmers do.
Now that I have been moving into Java programming I am beginning to change my mind. I think I am the one that was coddled. My tools for programming are all robust and mature. My debuggers let me dance around the program counter with impunity. My IDE connects automatically with version control and will help me maintain the code. It will automatically show me the variables that are currently interesting instead of making me hunt them down.
Java does not do any of this. I feel like I’m programming with fifteen year old tools.
In Java’s defense, a large part of this might have to do with the tools they are making me use at work. There are probably better ones out there, and I’m just feeling bitter.