Java based Microcontrollers?
I have been looking into micro-controllers and was wondering if the majority of them are C/C++ based? I am quite proficient in java and want to ask you guys if anyone knows of a good cost efficient, java-based micro-controller I could look into.
All answers are appreciated!
Answer
The difference between a language like java (or c#) and a lower level language like c or c++ is the fact that they have a virtual machine. This has many advantages, like making the application platform-independent. But it also means that each platform has to have the vm for it.
Now, microcontrollers are not uniform and vary in power, memory, and many other features. So adopting the JVM (java's virtual machine) for them is not easy even when possible. Most of the time its just impossible - most of the uc have very low memory capacity (part of what makes them cheap) - this would make fitting any general-purpose JVM there impossible, not to mention also with the application code.
I am aware of some partial-implementations of java for microcontrollers. For example "java-based" sim cards (which have a very small controller inside) are there, but they have a very limited version of java.
So basically I think your best bet to write "embedded java" (especially if you're a novice) is to work on top of microcontrolers that are basically a small fully functioning computer, that runs a proper OS that already has a JVM. Just look into one of the new "micro computer" open source projects like raspberry pi or beaglebone. Both cost around 2x of an arduino and are much more powerful.
Hope I helped.