I was interested in Java the beginning, but the problem with Java is you do have to switch your platform.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
However, when Java is promoted as the sole programming language, its flaws and limitations become serious.
What's kept Java from being used as widely as possible is there hasn't been an Open Source implementation of it that's gotten really widespread use.
After all, C++ isn't a perfect match for Java's design aims either.
No one wants one language. There are applications when it's appropriate to write something in C rather than in Java. If you want to write something where performance is much more important than extensibility, then you might want to choose C rather than Java.
I started out with machine code and assembly language.
I'm just an observer of Java, and where Microsoft wants to go with C# is too early to tell.
This evolution may compromise Java's claim of being simpler than C++, but my guess is that the effort will make Java a better language than it is today.
I'm interested in Linux because of the technology, and Linux wasn't started as any kind of rebellion against the 'evil Microsoft empire.'
Mark Hammond is working in this area, with Windows Scripting Host. It is definitely an area where Python fits almost perfectly. That's quite independent from Java, actually.
I've never worked with the Java community.