What is Java?

Java

What is Java?

Java is a high-level programming language widely used for web and mobile development. Java is an object-oriented programming language designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. It was originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems and released in 1995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems’ Java platform. Java is owned by Oracle now.

Key features of Java

Platform independence: Java is best known for its “write once, run anywhere” (WORA) capability. This is achieved through the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which allows Java applications to run on any device equipped with the JVM without recompilation.

Object-oriented: Java is strictly object-oriented, which means it’s based on the concepts of “objects” that can contain data and methods to operate on the data. This makes Java highly modular, reusable, and extensible.

Strongly typed: Java enforces strict type checking at compile-time, which helps detect errors early in the development process.

Multithreading: Java supports multithreaded programming, which allows concurrent execution of two or more parts of a program for maximum utilization of the CPU.

Security: Java is designed to strongly emphasize security, including language features and the runtime environment. The Java platform provides a robust security framework.

Rich standard library: Java provides a rich set of standard libraries (also known as the Java API) covering various areas such as networking, I/O operations, data structures, graphical user interface (GUI) development, and more.

Why use Java?

Java is an object-oriented programming language that’s easier to write and learn than other programming languages. It has been widely used among programmers around the world. Many programmers prefer the Java programming language for various reasons.

Java for web development

Java is a popular choice for web development because it offers exceptional frameworks, libraries, and tools that facilitate the creation of scalable, secure, and efficient web applications. Java provides a robust security framework with features like secure communication, authentication, and access control, making it a reliable choice for developing secure web applications.

Java is well-suited for building microservices-based applications, especially with frameworks like Spring Boot, which simplify the development and deployment of microservices. This architectural style allows for building applications as a collection of small, autonomous services designed around specific business capabilities.

Java for game development

Java is widely used for game development because of its several advantages, making it a suitable choice. Games developed in Java can run on any device that supports the JVM, which means the same game can run on Windows, macOS, Linux, and other platforms without needing to rewrite or recompile the code specifically for each platform.

Java is a primary language for Android development, making it a logical choice for developing Android games. Using Java for Android game development allows developers to leverage Android’s native APIs and development tools like Android Studio for creating engaging mobile games.

Should you learn Java first?

Java is one of the oldest programming languages, and its extensive libraries make it a perfect choice for beginners to start their coding journey. Learning Java can benefit beginners because it can be used for web and mobile apps and game development.

Java tutorials and courses are widely available, and you can start learning Java with Educative. Let’s start with the basics of a Java tutorial and begin your journey to becoming a Java programming language expert!