I am really quite disappointed by the Java3D distribution process. I am not
sure what Sun can gain from forcing people through the unhelpful download
process other than getting people to agree to the license online which has
the only interpretation it seems that you have to download the installer
from Sun (go figure). Anyone anywhere in the world can click that they agree
to the license and gain the installer.
However, we are allowed to bundle the Java3D installer INSIDE the
application (rather from the application public homepage). What does this
mean if I want to make sure ALL Java3D users can run my application? Well,
it means I have to bundle ALL versions of Java3D in the distribution (if I
want a central distribution, and making the distribution larger) OR create
as many distributions as there are system versions of Java3D (very poor from
a maintenance point of view).
So, I am asking Sun to review their Java3D distribution process. I would be
happy enough if just the bundling process was easier. As a Java3D
application developer, I want at least the option, to distribute my
application ONCE and make sure all versions of Java3D are in the
distribution. This means I want the 4 core JARs AND the specific libraries
for system specific installation. A structure like
j3dapp
- classes
- j3d
- jars
- lib
- win
- solaris
And a simple script that installs these into the relevant locations would be
enough. I do not have UNIX or access to UNIX so there is no sense asking me
to unpack the Solaris version and create this structure myself.
Failing all this...scrap the online download process and let us all link
directly to Sun's site if they are so bent on keeping it there.
Am I alone in this thinking or are there others out there?
Many thanks,
Allistair
www.adcworks.com
Cheers,
Allistair Crossley
Web/New Media Consultant
Logica UK Ltd
Tel: 02074 463267
Mob: 07884 056274
===========================================================================
To unsubscribe, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and include in the body
of the message "signoff JAVA3D-INTEREST". For general help, send email to
[EMAIL PROTECTED] and include in the body of the message "help".
