Monday's Mac Gadget by John F. Braun Pour Some Java in Your Mac November 15th, 1999 MacJikes 1.2b5 ($15 Shareware) Steven Bytnar Although Sun seems to have lost interest in promoting Java on the Mac after the release of JDK 1.0.2, others have kept the ball rolling. There's MRJ (Macintosh Runtime for Java) for running Java code, as well as CodeWarrior for compiling it. What to do if you want an inexpensive method of creating Java code? Here's a solution from a source you wouldn't expect... The good folks at IBM Research have been working on an open source Java compiler called Jikes since 1997. Since it is open source, others can take it and customize it for just about any environment. MacJikes is a Mac port of this compiler. MacJikes includes both an application, which can be controlled by AppleScript, and an MPW tool for use with the MPW shell. To run your resulting Java applications on the Mac, you should get your hands on the MRJ SDK 2.1, which includes several goodies, including an application called JBindery. If you drag a Java application, in the form of a .class file, on JBindery, it will execute it for you. Get a taste of Java on the Mac, and be sure to check out MacJikes. Useful Links MacJikes Home Page Jikes Project Home Apple Java Developer Info This is What You'll See if Your Code Compiles Correctly Monday's Mac Gadget is here to help you with those cool things that we all just have to have on our Macs. Shareware, Freeware, Postcardware, Emailware, and even commercial apps, Monday's Mac Gadget is here to help you find and use the best of these programs. John is a software engineer who works in the corporate R&D group of a Fortune 500 company, focusing on all aspects of communications technology. He has several degrees that claim he knows what he's doing when it comes to computers. After watching co-workers reinstall Windows, search for device drivers, and experience other horrors during the day, he's glad that he comes home to a Mac (compatible) computer. Have any comments, suggestions, or favorite Gadgets? Drop John a line at You can also Post Your Comments below. Current Monday's Mac Gadget Want to Supercharge Your Dock? Check Out Todos! - August 21st Worried About Your Mac Getting Jacked? Get JackSMS - June 12th Want iChat with Tabs? Try Chax! - April 3rd Visit Monday's Mac Gadget Archives for more great Mac Gadgets!