This month we'll be having an open debate about the merits and drawbacks of using Java and dynamic languages (such as Groovy and JRuby). The idea for the debate came about at the April HJUG meeting when Neal Ford started debating with several HJUG members about how Java-based projects can scale to a large number of people, as compared to dynamic languages.

There are several issues and questions at play:

• The promise that dynamic languages can enable greater productivity, but also bring with them the likelihood that code could break when developers check in code.
• Dynamic languages on the JVM are still fairly young and do not yet have broad acceptance yet by managers.
• How easy is it to scale a project that uses dynamic languages?
• Which project management styles lend themselves best to using dynamic languages?

Door Prizes and Giveaways!

• JetBrains has donated two IntelliJ licenses to be raffled off at this HJUG meeting
• No Fluff Just Stuff has donated a ticket to their Austin show this July to be raffled off

Meeting Sponsor

Matrix Resources
Sponsor Website: www.matrixresources.com

Company Overview

The spirit of MATRIX was forged in February, 1983, when five visionary men -- John Scarbrough, Bill Gower, Frank Glenn, Ron McGinty, and Lambert Chandler -- joined together to create a company founded on principles of integrity, fairness, genuine care for its people, and a never-ending commitment to excellence. From that time forward, the spirit of MATRIX, founded on these principles, has guided the growth, evolution, and phenomenal success that have become the MATRIX story.

The spirit of MATRIX is embodied and shared in a set of statements entitled "The MATRIX Charter." The MATRIX Charter offers a clear definition of who we are and what we stand for, and unifies us as we hold ourselves and each other accountable to its principles.

There are three significant components within The MATRIX Charter:

1. The MATRIX Declaration of Identity
2. The MATRIX Foundational Values
3. The MATRIX Vision