Embedded-system features

WonkaTM was designed from the start as a reliable, resource-aware VM that could be built into cheap consumer devices:

``... a complete and correct implementation, readily portable to a wide range of devices, characterised by a high level of availability, usable in systems which have real-time requirements, and it must make efficient use of limited resources.

``Wonka should be the VM of choice for embedding Java in consumer products.''

(From the Project Goals document.)

Real-time-friendly features

RudolphTM: an AWT for Wonka

RudolphTM is not only a red-nosed reindeer, but also an implementation of the Java 1.1.8 AWT. RudolphTM works directly over a memory-mapped screen or framebuffer, without requiring an existing windowing system to be present. RudolphTM will also run in an X11 window, effectively treating the window as a bitmapped device. The pointing device is implemented as a driver with a simple API which allows for easy interfacing of touchscreens etc..

Rudolph's current look-and-feel is somewhat spartan, but it's actually quite easy to change, and we have a project lined up to make this even easier.

Because Rudolph is a ``module'' rather than a part of the VM itself, it is perfectly possible to use another AWT, so long as it uses only Java and JNI.