Let's go java 1.4 / Brainstorm
 

I dont know if this the right forum to post this in, but anyway, I think that limewire should use java 1.4 because of it optimizations. Like VersatileImage and the NIO classes. This could probably greatly improve the performance of LimeWire. I think also that you should use skins. Which is very easy to accomplish with Swing, but you probably already know that. It would be nice to be able to choose the Swing LnF or the one of my operating system, or even a self created LnF :D. I also think that LimeWire should create something as communities, where people with commen interrest can share information. And chat easily with each other. The chat is really a thing that should be improved, you should be able to do it the iRC way (perhaps an idea here).

Anyway, its already a great program. But dont get lazy, a lot needs to be improved

You can use the JRE 1.4 for LimeWire, but remember, currently LimeWire has to compatible with the old JRE 1.1.8 so it works on MacOS.

I think the LimeWire developers are already working on Skins.

Building communities on top of the Gnutella protocol is quite difficult due to its decentralized nature.

For IRC chat, use an IRC client. Improved Instant Messaging features would be nice, - but LimeWire is a file-sharing tool. I don't think it has to be one of those all in one programs, that can do a little of everything but nothing properly.

I think they should try developing in a REAL language. Java is slow and clunky, it SUX. Even crappy VB would be better than developing in Java.

VB
 

If they used VB, then those of us who use Linux (and Mac people too) wouldn't be able to run it. It is possible to write C/C++ code that's cross-platform, such as Qtella. But C takes longer to write and you have the risk of buffer overrun exploits.

Delphi/Kylix is cross platform RAD development that responds much quicker than Java.

As far as MAC users go, screw them. They bought a shitty machine they deserve to get a stiff one when it comes to software. Now for the Linux/Unix users I agree. Delphi/Kylix would fix that...

The decision to use Java for LimeWire has already been made and it will certainly not be changed.

There are people who like Java and there are people who don't, - personally I like Java, since it's a lot easier to work with (don't have to worry about memory management - etc.), and even more important is, that it's completely free and it runs on almost any system. If you don't like Java, you are free to use another client, however.

about chat
 

I was thinking what makes gnutella great is the decentralised nature of it. People just logon to some anonymous computers.

I find that usually when someone tries to chat with me they become unavailable before I respond.

What would be great is to have as part of the gnutella protocol a system to allow ultrapeers to become chat hosts.

So if ppl are looking for a particular file they can ask those ppl who have enabled a chat client with a particular ultrapeer.

This would make the gnutella network more of a community. With ultrapeers becoming noticeboards, discussion forums, and chat rooms.

I might just be having grandious visions here.