Unfortunately, interpreted languages lack the performance advantages of their fully compiled counterparts. What Java gains in portability, it loses in performance. This clearly marks a disconnect between the inherent characteristics of the language and end-user concerns over performance.
Performance improvements are on the horizon.
However, JVMs remain a work in progress. Sun Microsystems, the developer and prime promoter of Java, promises improved performance this year. Tool time The tools are still in their first-generation phase, as is the Java Development Kit, so it will take time for the Java libraries to become more complete and the tools to find the right mix of features and functionality for this new mode of programming. While immature tools are the primary deterrent to use of Java, according to survey respondents, performance runs a close second if lack of performance and lack of speed are combined. Other necessary complementary products such as testing tools are starting to become more prevalent as well.