Does Java work well on Mac?

Java is not required and is not preinstalled in OS X. There are 2 sides to Java. The web browser plug-in/extension – this is the BAD form, as it has been nothing but security holes. HOWEVER, for some reason there are a few institutions that require the Java browser plugin to access their web site.

Mac OS X 10.6 and below: Apple’s Java comes pre-installed with your Mac OS . Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) and above: Java is not pre-installed with Mac OS X versions 10.7 and above. To get the latest Java from Oracle, you will need Mac OS X 10.7. 3 and above.

Java 7 and later versions can run on your Mac . Oracle Java (Version 7 and later versions) requires an Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.7. 3 (Lion) or later and administrator privileges for installation.

NET, definitely Mac . All of the standard development tools (compilers, etc.) and all of the major programming language interpreters can be installed on a Mac easily via Homebrew.