Java works very well under Linux, if you have already installed j2re or sdk.
I'm learning Java programming at University right now and it works as well under my *nix box as my win box. I still have a minor problem with native language (french especially) because of the different ASCII code *nix is using, but I think it's because I'm not using java "special language" lib. English should works very well.
Java is a very nice progs language. Heavy, but an incredible compatibility. I like it
