Introduction to Java
What is Java?
Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems
(now owned by Oracle Corporation). It was released in 1995 and is widely used for building
cross-platform applications, from web and mobile applications to enterprise software and
embedded systems.
Key Features of Java:
• Platform Independence - Java programs can run on any platform with a Java Virtual
Machine (JVM), making it a 'write once, run anywhere' language.
• Object-Oriented - Java follows the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP), such
as inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, and abstraction.
• Robust and Secure - Java provides strong memory management, exception handling, and
security features to prevent common programming errors.
• Multi-threading - Java supports multi-threading, allowing concurrent execution of multiple
tasks.
• Automatic Memory Management - Java uses garbage collection to manage memory
allocation and deallocation automatically.
Java Development Kit (JDK) and Java Runtime Environment (JRE)
JDK: Contains tools required to develop Java applications, including the compiler (javac),
libraries, and development tools.
JRE: Includes the JVM and libraries required to run Java applications but does not include
development tools.
JVM: The Java Virtual Machine is responsible for executing Java bytecode, making Java
platform-independent.
Applications of Java:
• Web Development: Java is used for developing web applications using frameworks like
Spring and Java EE.
• Mobile Development: Android applications are primarily built using Java.
• Enterprise Applications: Large-scale applications, including banking and e-commerce
platforms, leverage Java for reliability and scalability.
• Embedded Systems: Java is used in embedded devices, smart cards, and IoT applications.
Conclusion
Java remains one of the most popular programming languages due to its versatility, security,
and cross-platform capabilities. Whether you are developing mobile apps, web applications,
or enterprise solutions, Java provides a robust environment for software development.