> Java isn't a scripting language, and it wasn't ever intended to be one. First class functions aren't a feature particular to scripting languages. Many compil

> Java isn't a scripting language, and it wasn't ever intended to be one. First class functions aren't a feature particular to scripting languages. Many compiled languages also have them, such as Haskell, Ocaml, Scala, F#, C#, D, Go, Forth, Common Lisp, and so on. > It was never designed to solve quick little problems in a few lines C# wasn't either, but it manages to be pretty expressive for what it is. I don't think you can argue Java's design precludes it from having basic things like first class functions, when (a) C# operates in the same market and already has them, and (b) Java 7 is going to be getting them.