Introduction to Java
Java is a high-level programming language developed at Sun Microsystems by James Gosling and Bill Joy. It is an independent platform.
Java is similar to C++ and supports object-oriented programming techniques, which allows many C and C++ programmers to master the language quickly. Java also has GUI features that provide a better look and feel than the C++ language.
History & Evolution
In 1991, James Gosling started Java as an “Oak” project. Gosling planned to create a virtual machine language that would have features similar to C and C++, but with greater uniformity and simplicity. In 1995, Oak was renamed Java due to legal snags.
In 1991, James Gosling started Java as an “Oak” project. Gosling planned to create a virtual machine language that would have features similar to C and C++, but with greater uniformity and simplicity. In 1995, Oak was renamed Java due to legal snags.
Java Versions
Java Editions (SE, EE, ME)
There are four platforms for the Java programming language.
Java SE (Standard Edition)
The Java SE API provides the core functionality of the Java programming language. It defines everything from the basic types to objects used for networking, Security, database access, etc.
The Java SE platform comprises a virtual machine, development tools, deployment mechanisms, and other libraries.
Java EE (Enterprise Edition)
It is built on top of the Java SE Platform. The Java EE Platform provides tools and a system for building and running large, complex, and secure network applications.
Java ME (Micro Edition)
The Java micro edition provides APIs and a small-footprint virtual machine for Java applications on mobile phones.
The Java ME API is a subset of the Java SE API. It is useful for developing small device applications and special class libraries.
JavaFX
JavaFX is a platform for creating internet applications using a lightweight API. It uses hardware-accelerated graphics and media engines to take advantage of this.
Why is Java Popular?
The biggest reason Java is popular is its platform independence. Programs can run on several different types of computers and devices. To run a program, a computer should have a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed, and a Java program can run on it.
Java APIs and libraries are part of the Java language itself. It has 50 keywords and thousands of classes and methods that you can use in your program.
Reasons for the Popularity of Java
Platform Independence:
Java’s platform independence stems from its design as a write-once, run-anywhere language, in contrast to C and C++, which cater to specific platforms.
Java is platform-independent because it is compiled to bytecode and can be run on any device with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This means you can write on one platform (Windows) and run on another (Linux or Mac) without changing the code.
The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) interprets Java bytecode into instructions that the host processor can execute.
Easy to Learn and Use
Java’s simple syntax makes it approachable for new developers. The large collection of accessible courses and techniques facilitates the rapid development of strong apps.
Security
It features built-in security options, so it is a safe choice for developers creating apps that handle private information.
Dynamic Libraries
It has an extensive collection of strong classes and methods that are fit for creating advanced applications.
Open Source
By examining the source code, programmers can make appropriate changes. Thus, one can change its environment more easily.
Java vs. Other Programming Languages
Java vs C++
Java vs Python
Java vs Javascript
Real-World Applications of Java
Mobile Application Development
Java’s compatibility and versatility with mobile app development tools such as Kotlin and Android Studio make it the go-to programming language for developing Android applications.
The development of popular mobile applications continues.
Web-based Applications
Java interacts with many web-based applications, so it is an automatic choice for developers when creating one. With support for Servlets, JSPs, or Struts, creating any web application using Java is efficient.
Web servers and Application Servers
Web servers are programs that handle websites hosted on them to deliver webpages to the end users. An application server is a framework that stores and handles data between the client and the back end.
Mobile Gaming Applications
Developers can use Java to create mobile gaming applications. While developing gaming applications, it is difficult to avoid maintaining hardcore values, which are referred to as magic numbers in Java, which can make code difficult to maintain. jMonkey Engine, a gaming engine based on Java, is an open-source 3D game engine widely used by indie developers.
Enterprise Applications
Enterprise applications serve as mainstream consumer applications, specifically designed to address business problems. Applications are built with Security and reliability, and businesses depend on them, keeping in mind that this is where Java comes in.
Applications using Big Data
Big data is the ideal collection of datasets available for trend and pattern analysis. It enables companies to scan and evaluate vast and complicated data.
Uses of Embedded Systems
Because Java uses less memory, it is a rapid programming language used in embedded devices. An embedded system is a tiny portion of a broader integrated system used for a specific purpose.
Cloud-Based Applications
Oracle Cloud Services is one of the most popular cloud development tools. It provides a platform for developing and configuring Oracle services.
Applications, software, or services rendered via the internet without requiring user management are known as cloud computing.