Hi,

[a] Visual J++ is NOT Java, it only looks like Java. I personally would not
recommend it and would advise you to stay well clear of it (except in point [c]
below).

[b] OpenGL seems to be faster but you're right, there seem to be a few stability
problems due to crap video drivers. The beauty of Java3D is that there are two
implementations, you choose the one that suits best.

[c] DLLs are Microsoft libraries and so do not provide a simple API for Java to
use. You can use JNI and various other tools to access external libraries but a
precise answer is not a simple one, it depends on your reason for wanting to use
them and the application. J++, being Microsoft's Java like product does
integrate well with DLL but is is not compatible with other operating systems
and you will more than likely have MAJOR problems as soon as you want to do
anything with non-core APIs like Java3D.

Sun's JDK is totally free and works perfectly with Java3D on several operating
systems. You can either isolate a machine with J++ on it to wrap your DLL and
provide a Java API like RMI or sockets or try using JNI to access the DLLs on
the same machine. Thirdly I suppose, you  could re-write the DLLs in Java and
put it on a decent operating system like UNIX to run at several times the speed.

-John-

Neil Woodhouse wrote:

> Hi,
>
>     I am new to Java3d and need some advice as to the best way to approach
> my task. I want to develop an applet to run within both Netscape and
> Internet Explorer that will have to contain some navigable 3d content. The
> turn around is about three weeks. My questions are as follows:
>
> [a]    Is anyone using Java3d with MS Visual J++? Is this an efficient way
> of programming?
>
> [b]    Should I go for DirectX or the OpenGL implementation of Java3d? I
> have been experiencing some stability issues with the OpenGL implementation
> on my machine.
>
> [c]    Non 3d question. My application is going to be PC specific. Does java
> allow efficient interaction with dlls? (showing my ignorance here. Sorry).
>
>     Thank you in advance.
>
> Neil Woodhouse
>
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