Java development in a Perl shop: How to select the right tool?

Question

My group is a Perl shop in an organization that is very heterogenous. Although we support the odd Java, PHP, or Python installation, we're using Perl for nearly all of our web applications and systems/data marshalling tasks. All of our boxes are Linux, although we interface with IIS systems as well.

We're coming under some pressure from management to move to Java for at least some of our work. I'd like to use the right tool for the right task, but for our work, and due to our collective experience, Perl seems like the right tool for everything.

My initial thought is to use Java for applications that are open to the organization at large, since there is more Java mindshare out there than Perl.

Does anyone have similar experience? If I'm given the choice, what kinds of tasks should we start with applying Java? What kinds of tasks should we insist on sticking with Perl? Does it make any difference? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Is there a specific technical reason for switching to Java? Is there something you can do in Java but not Perl? Is there a performance difference? Is some other group/person all about Java and doesn't want to learn Perl?

My experience has been that you should stick with what you know. Your group knows Perl really well. You've had your share of teeth gnashing and some of you have probably attained uber Perl guru status.

So I'd say stick with what you know unless you can think of some good reasons.

Answer 2

If your team is going to be supporting the applications, then stick with what you know.

If another team is supporting your apps then you may need to consider Java as it definetly has a greater penetration in today's corporate world.

Management are told that Java is the only way, or "real enterprises use Java", and therefore they think they have to use Java. I know where I work they think that Java is the only language out there, and things like C# are just for 'tactical' projects and not 'strategic' - whatever that means.

You should use the best tool for the job.