I don't propose the following as River's future direction, it's an item of interest.
Space based computing overcomes NAT limitations. That is provided javaspace servervices are internet visible to clients behind NAT routers, even though clients that can't directly contact each other, they can work together in a completely uncoupled fashion with spaces. This ignores security concerns Java 9 is introducing a new module url format, this will make life much easier in a number of ways. Firstly protection domains won't be dependant on file paths, secondly we could automate policy file generation for administrators. We've also previously discussed build tools for generating preferred lists. These sorts of tools should reduce setup time. One consequence of Java 9's modular design is the removal of support for policy providers using the java extensions directory and classloader. I've made some local modifications to test using the policy provider in the application classloader, this resulted in 4 test failures, at least one of which failed only because it was expecting the extensions classloader. Note this was using the new policy providers in qa-refactor, I haven't tested the older policy providers in the current release branch. Regards, Peter. ----- Original message ----- > I would like to start a discussion of future direction for the River > project, and whether we have the right resources to get there. > > Recently, I have been trying to push improving the "Getting Started" > experience in the hope of attracting and keeping new users who may turn > into committers. I am not sure what to do next to make that happen. I > feel we may have a problem of not having enough committer time to get > more committers. > > I do have some free time, but not quite the right skills. When I got > involved in River I expected to be working on Java programming for > refactoring, performance enhancement, and multithread/multiprocessor > issues. Writing good "Getting Started" materials calls for actual River > expertise and experience, which I lack. > > I have about five weeks before I need to file my next board report. I > would like to use that time to build a consensus on where we are going, > and whether we need help from outside the project. > > Patricia
