airhacks.fm podcast with adam bien jclasslib--The 3k Stars Bytecode Editor
Sep 14, 2025
Ingo Kegel, creator of jclasslib and co-founder at EJ-Technologies, dives into the fascinating history of his bytecode viewer that's been evolving since 2001. He discusses the shift from various version control systems and the integration of jclasslib with modern platforms like Visual Studio Code. Ingo compares Swing and SWT for desktop applications and offers insights on using FlatLaf to modernize UIs. The conversation also touches on Java's compatibility improvements, the growth of the class file format, and the role of jclasslib in bytecode editing and profiling.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Swing Is Viable Again
- Swing combined with modern look-and-feels like FlatLaf delivers fast, attractive desktop UIs that rival newer tools.
- Ingo Kegel and Adam Bien argue Swing is practical for small desktop tools and easier to deploy than Electron.
Homebrew Surprise
- Adam installed jclasslib via Homebrew and discovered it installed a native Mac app bundle, surprising him.
- Ingo clarified he didn't publish the Homebrew formula; the community did it independently.
Support The Tools You Depend On
- Sponsor and contribute to key open-source libraries you depend on to accelerate features and fixes.
- Ingo recommends financially supporting FlatLaf and contributing code when possible.