Comparing Java Virtual Machines for Sensor Nodes - First Glance: Takatuka and Darjeeling

For comparing Java virtual machines targeting smart systems such as wireless sensor nodes, a list of qualitative and quantitative criterions is proposed. The open source JVMs Takatuka and Darjeeling are then compared by architecture and features. The JVM runtime properties are benchmarked on an MSP430-based test platform. Results show that Takatuka is the mature, feature-rich, multi-purpose JVM near J2ME with a 50% advantage in Java byte code size. Darjeeling fits well for tiny, focused applications and offers a runtime performance bonus of up to a factor of six.