[joshefin]

Python is great for prototyping, but my grand plan with this project is to add more sensors, integrate with some "smart home" devices and create a web UI - and I'm more comfortable coding all that in Java.

[JudgeWapner]

just be sure to allocate enough swap space for the gigabytes of bloat.

[fouc]

Should be possible to compile Java such that it runs very efficiently. Java is commonly used for Android after all.

[Galaxeblaffer]

Python is also great for production, especially for tasks like this ;)