I think if you spent more time with Objective-C, you would come to like its syntax. I know that was the case for me, as I did not initially like it, and now Java seems the clunkier of the two to me. But even though I think Objective-C is clearly the best language to use for Cocoa development, I agree with you that it's too bad Apple abandoned the Cocoa-Java bridge. They do have a history of abruptly abandoning technologies, or letting them wither on the vine for so long they become less relevant. Witness OpenDoc, Hypercard, QuickTime for Java, WebObjects, AppleWorks, KidSafe, QuickDraw3D, etc. If you really need to do Java development, I highly encourage you to give Objective-C more time to sink in. There is a point where is clicks and makes sense, and stops looking awkward to read.