zealot: with due respect of course, they're some interesting "language peeves". Bear in mind that Java is a much newer language, and that the designers of Java did a great deal to tighten up the language with respect to C and C++. Safety means a lot to me as a programmer: I like to write correct code and do it quickly. Strong static type systems and clean unambiguous syntax just makes it easier.

Speaking for myself, I'd prefer casting operators with low precedence and non-spagettified loop guards. It's not just a matter of style and convenience: Java makes it a lot harder to make stupid mistakes than say, C. I personally like Java and C# a lot, but I can handle C if I need to.

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I handed in my thesis today. I should be celebrating, but I am feeling severely depressed. It might be partially to do with the fact that I have to work for DSTC for several weeks now, coupled with the fact that my graduation has been pushed back three or four months. Please don't ask me why.