We work on many different types of problems. Especially interdisciplinary work involves combinations of several data sets with very different representations and formats. We need a computer language that can express a wide range of different concepts and solutions. Java includes a general purpose programming language, a rich set of flexible libraries, and, for example, a window toolkit. Java offers solutions to problems that would have otherwise required at least two or more computer languages (C++ and X-Windows for example). A data object, such as an array of experimental values might include a method to plot the data on a given media, such as a graphics window or on printer.
Publishing. Java code is very readable and can be included in publications. In general, Java more readable than C and C++ since it lacks pointers. At the arithmetic level, Java is as readable as Fortran, except when dealing with complex numbers. Because of its ability to encapsulate details in its objects, Java is, however, far more readable than any procedural languages at the more abstract level of solvers and main routines. Java's Javadoc helps documenting software: Javadoc generates online documentation directly from comments in a class' source code. None of the other languages includes such a tool and consequently their documentation varies from software to software. We plan to integrate Java applications directly into the web versions of our research documents, making our research easily available to more readers. Java is built for the web, and our laboratories unique reproducible electronic documents - a packaging of research description, figures, and software - will soon become available on any internet browser.