>jeff said:
>>   Java is a full-blown programming language akin to C++.
>
>how stable/solid is java at this point?
>what are its limitations?
>how can i get my foot wet with it?
>
>-bowerbird
>
Java is in an almost constant state of development like most software 
tools, but most vendors support the same "level" at the same time. 
CodeWarrior Pro includes a Java compiler. I hate to say it but Windows 
and Unix (Linux) both have much superior Java development tools than 
what's available for Mac.

Here's a link to a freeware Java development tool for Mac:

http://www.vpm.com/%7Esteevc/java/seymour/index.html

Searching versiontracker.com for "Java" gives you all kinds of stuff and 
there's tons of Java tutorials, etc. available on the net. A Sherlock 
search on the 'net for "Java tutorial" returned 85 URLs...

HTH

Jeff