Using Java In Low Latency Environments

twofishy writes "Something I've noticed amongst financial service companies in London is a growing use of Java in preference to C/C++ for exchange systems, High Frequency Trading and over low-latency work. InfoQ has a good written panel discussion with Peter Lawrey, Martin Thompson, Todd L. Montgomery and Andy Piper. From the article: 'Often the faster an algorithm can be put into the market, the more advantage it has. Many algorithms have a shelf life and quicker time to market is key in taking advantage of that. With the community around Java and the options available, it can definitely be a competitive advantage, as opposed to C or C++ where the options may not be as broad for the use case. Sometimes, though, pure low latency can rule out other concerns. I think currently, the difference in performance between Java and C++ is so close that it's not a black and white decision based solely on speed. Improvements in GC techniques, JIT optimizations, and managed runtimes have made traditional Java weaknesses with respect to performance into some very compelling strengths that are not easy to ignore.'"

Comments

Java and Latency

[Anonymous Coward]

I find java helps me with my latency :)

Re:Huh?

[i_ate_god]

well I am a master of PHP, so let's find out...

Java's strengths are "not easy to ignore"

[carou]

Challenge Accepted!

Re:Troll much, slashdot?

[wonkey_monkey]

These are HFT folks, they have essentially unlimited money.

Unlimited money solves a lot of problems.

But not, apparently, the problem of an ongoing obsession with making even more money.

Re:Yes

[robot_love]

I got this one, boys.

Let me translate what you said to a car analogy, then you can see if your statement still makes sense.

"Your car is unsafe because it was recalled due to a seat-belt issue. You should ride a motorbike like me. It's never been recalled for seat belt issues."