Signal and Image Processing in Java

We describe the implementation of a multi-purpose data analysis laboratory, DataLab-J, in the programming language Java. We briefly trace the stages of the evolution of DataLab from a FORTRAN-IV system in 1973 to the current Java development. Description of this evolution allows us to discuss some key design and functionality decisions and issues that arose throughout the years; many of these issues remain topical, so, in addition to an evaluation of Java, we identify and discuss what are for us the major issues in the design of such software. Moreover, we address questions raised by the need to convert legacy systems, e.g. those programmed in C and various versions of FORTRAN. The experience of redesign and implementation in Java is described, together with a brief evaluation of the suitability of Java for 'number-crunching'. Overall conclusions are drawn, regarding design of such software, lessons learned, traps to avoid, and on Java itself. 1 Introduction As in most applied mathema..