Question

I have a java application I need to pass some info to a C++ program. It has been suggested that I use some simple socket programming to do this. Is this the best way? If not what are the alternatives? If so, how should I go about learning about socket programming?

Answer 1

You have a few options:

• Pass a file from Java to C++. This is probably simplest. It’s easy to test and shouldn’t require any 3rd party libraries on either end.
• Use sockets as mentioned. In C++, if you require a cross-platform solution a library such as ACE or boost will save you some heartache
• Use JNI to call from Java to C++ or vice versa. This is probably the most difficult, but most performant.

For learning sockets, a Google search for ‘java socket tutorial’ or ‘c++ socket tutorial’ will give you lots of information.