WhyJython

Jython, lest you do not know of it, is the most compelling weapon the Java platform has for its survival into the 21st century - SeanMcGrath

Why Jython

There are numerous [http://grunge.cs.tu-berlin.de/~tolk/vmlanguages.html alternative languages] implemented for the Java VM. The following features help to separate Jython from the rest:

• Dynamic compilation to Java bytecodes - leads to highest possible performance without sacrificing interactivity.
• Ability to extend existing Java classes in Jython - allows effective use of abstract classes.
• Optional static compilation - allows creation of applets, servlets, beans, ...
• Bean Properties - make use of Java packages much easier.
• Python Language - combines remarkable power with very clear syntax. It also supports a full object-oriented programming model which makes it a natural fit for Java's OO design.

What Does Jython Do Well?

• Protyping
• Java investigation

  •     >>> from java.util import Date
        >>> d = Date()
        >>> print d
        Sat Jan 08 16:26:16 CST 2005
        >>> from java.util import Random
        >>> print dir(Random)
        ['__init__', 'nextBoolean', 'nextBytes', 'nextDouble', 'nextFloat',
        'nextGaussian', 'nextInt', 'nextLong', 'seed', 'setSeed']
        >>>

• Bean properties accesible

  •     >>> print Date().time
        1105500911121

• Glue together libraries already written in Java
• Excellent embedded scripting language
  • Object Domain UML Tool

  • PushToTest

  • Drools

Differences - Python & Jython

Python

• C
• Multi-platform
• Compiles to .pyc
• Extend with C
• GIL
• Python Garbage Collection

Jython

• 100% Java
• Any JVM (currently 1.1+)
• Compiles to .class
• Extend with Java
• Truly multi-threaded
• Java garbage collection