Microsoft ended support for the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine after Windows XP SP2.  Programs written in Visual J++ will no longer work in subsequent service packs and versions of the operating system.  Microsoft supplied a conversion utility in Visual Studio .NET 2003 and Visual Studio 2005 that translates the J++ source code into C#.

DMC used this J++ conversion utility to translate a customer's application that is used to read and write motor drive parameters and perform simple jogging moves.  Translating the source code took much less time than rewriting the application from scratch.  An automatic translation also reduced the risk of introducing logic errors while writing the new source code.

The translation was not perfect, however.  Some features that existed in J++ do not have exact counterparts in C# or the .NET framework.  In these cases, DMC established the original intent of the J++ code and updated these features to appropriate .NET equivalents.  Examples of translation errors included database and TCP/IP port access.

While translating the original code, DMC fixed bugs in the original program found by DMC or known by the customer.  DMC also implemented additional features requested by the customer.  Because DMC is now familiar with application architecture, DMC will be able to continue support of the client's software and implement future features quickly and efficiently.

DMC is also very experienced with InstallShield and was able to upgrade the original install project and fix problems with and add features to it.  One such feature was a file search for previous versions of the program that could not be detected by the installer.

DMC performed functional testing on the translated application and provided testing documentation to meet the customer's quality control procedures.

The customer is now able to provide their application to a greater number of their customers for a price less than an entirely new application.  Because the .NET framework has gained such widespread acceptance and support, the customer's translated application will be compatible with future incarnations of the Windows OS.  The customer also now has access to the current and future .NET capabilities.

Learn more about DMC's custom software and hardware development services.