@Ande
Pretty much that, 100% agree.
Just remember that even tho Java is compiled it still has to be ran by JVM, which is an interpreter, therefore making it somewhat like PHP and Pearl and Python.
@Kulverstukas
I don't consider Java "clunky, stupid and heavy". I agree some of the syntax is not what you're used to in most languages and it's not as fast as C/C++. I also hate the fact that if doesn't port the OS-related functions (Since the JVM is going to interpret, you could just have a function clear_screen() that would automatically detect the OS and do it according. Same would apply to sockets and everything else.)
On topic: I'm going with Ande's answer.