Is Java get gunked up like Windows?

[mhw100]

I ask because I've loaded and deleted lots of apps and its my understanding that it helps to periodically do a clean install on Windows. Is the same recommended with Jave i.e. brick the phone and start fresh?

[mikeo007]

No, you're comparing a programing language to an operating system...it's like comparing apples to helicopters.

You should compare the Blackberry OS to the Windows OS. Blackberry doesn't keep a convoluted registry system like Windows, and all apps are self contained, so when you delete an app, for the most part it's all gone.

[mhw100]

Thank you for that. So there is never a need to do a clean install then. Is that correct?

[F0nage]

Originally Posted by mikeo007

No, you're comparing a programing language to an operating system...it's like comparing apples to helicopters.

You should compare the Blackberry OS to the Windows OS. Blackberry doesn't keep a convoluted registry system like Windows, and all apps are self contained, so when you delete an app, for the most part it's all gone.

It seems to have some kind of a registry, because when a trial expires if you delete the app and reinstall a new copy, it knows your trial is expired. The OS also requires a reboot after installing some (most) apps.

Can anybody shed light on this?

[GlenB]

@Fonage - to do this the developers must write explicit code that writes a file to the handset, after the trial has expired uninstalling the app and reinstalling wouldn't necessarily remove the file unless they used the persistent store object to create the file. Normal files will persist between installs.

[mikeo007]

Originally Posted by F0nage

It seems to have some kind of a registry, because when a trial expires if you delete the app and reinstall a new copy, it knows your trial is expired. The OS also requires a reboot after installing some (most) apps.

Can anybody shed light on this?

The OS has to have some sort of databases to store certain info about apps. GlenB is correct that one method is to write a file to the device. Most software that has limited trial periods uses a server to validate the software on your device. It's locked to your PIN, so even if you did brick your device and wipe all databases, you still wouldn"t be able to reinstall these types of trial software.

To answer the OPs question: no, there is no need to reinstall the OS unless you want to update to a newer version.

[F0nage]

Thanks guys. Mike, I don't agree that the OS has to have a database to store info about apps. I know, because I write OS software for another platform.

They certainly can choose to implement it that way, but I personally don't feel it's a good solution, because it leads to problems.

[mikeo007]

Originally Posted by F0nage

Thanks guys. Mike, I don't agree that the OS has to have a database to store info about apps. I know, because I write OS software for another platform.

They certainly can choose to implement it that way, but I personally don't feel it's a good solution, because it leads to problems.

Sorry, I should clarify: I meant that the Blackberry OS does have some sort of database or persistant store that apps can write to in order to save things like settings, high scores in games, etc. But it seems to be pretty well managed, so an application's entry likely gets wiped when the app is removed.

I do agree with an OS not requiring a database or registry though. It can work well when implemented properly, but can cause a LOT of headaches when it's not implemented properly *cough*windowsxp/windowsmobile*cough*

[F0nage]

LOL exactly, and thanks.

[GlenB]

Version 5 of the device code includes a integral database system (mysql lite I think), but I havent looked at it yet.