Microsoft Eases Java to C# Transition with New Beta

Microsoft today released the second beta of the Java Language Conversion Assistant (JLCA), designed to automate conversion of Java source code to its .NET-based C# language. Microsoft hopes to ease the transition for Java developers looking to build XML Web services by migrating existing language syntax and library calls. Redmond has been working hard to lure developers away from Sun's Java technology and establish .NET as the dominant platform for Web services.

"Microsoft is committed to providing a path for developers to build XML Web services in the programming language of their choice," said Tom Button, Microsoft's vice president of the Developer Platform, in today's announcement.

"With the beta 2 of the JLCA, Java-language developers will be able to automatically convert more code to C#, enabling them to create scalable, robust applications in a shorter time frame."

The JLCA integrates into Visual Studio .NET and is able to take advantage of ASP.NET, ADO.NET and Windows Forms. Microsoft plans to include the final release of the JLCA with upcoming releases of Visual Studio .NET. The Beta 2 release may be downloaded at MSDN.