Java Features

Last Updated : 10 Jan, 2025

Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language. It is known for its

1. Simple Syntax
Java syntax is very straight forward and very easy to learn. Java removes complex
features like pointers and multiple inheritance, which makes it more beginner
friendly.
Example: Basic Java Program
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// Java program to Demonstrate the Basic Syntax
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import java.io.*;
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class Geeks {
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public static void main(String[] args)
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{
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System.out.println("GeeksForGeeks!");
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}
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}

Output
GeeksForGeeks!
2. Object Oriented
Java is a pure object-oriented language. It supports core OOP concepts like
 Class
 Objects
 Inheritance
 Encapsulation
 Abstraction
 Polymorphism
Example: The below Java program demonstrates the basic concepts of oops.
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// Java program to demonstrate the basic concepts of oops
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// like class, object, Constructor and method
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import java.io.*;
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class Student {
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int age;
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String name;
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public Student(int age, String name)
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{
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this.age = age;
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this.name = name;
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}
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// This method display the details of the student
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 void display()
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{
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System.out.println("Name is: " + name);
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System.out.println("Age is: " + age);
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}
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}
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class Geeks {
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public static void main(String[] args)
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{
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Student student = new Student(22, "GFG");
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student.display();
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}
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}

Output
Name is: GFG
Age is: 22
3. Platform Independent
Java is platform-independent because of Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
 When we write Java code, it is first compiled by the compiler and then
converted into bytecode (which is platform-independent).
 This byte code can run on any platform which has JVM installed.
4. Interpreted
Java code is not directly executed by the computer. It is first compiled into
bytecode. This byte code is then understand by the JVM. This enables Java to run on
any platform without rewriting code.
5. Scalable
Java is able to handle both small and large-scale applications, features
like multithreading and distributed computing allows developers to manage loads
more efficiently.
6. Portable
Java Byte code can be executed on any platform with the help of JVM. This means
once we write and compile our code, it can be used on different kind of devices
without any changes, making Java programs portable and easy to use anywhere.
7. Secured and Robust
Java ensures reliability through early error detection, runtime checks, and exception
handling. Java has built-in security features, like preventing the use of pointers and
providing a security manager, which help create safe, tamper-proof applications.
8. Memory Management
Memory management in Java is automatically handled by the Java Virtual
Machine (JVM).
 Java garbage collector reclaim memory from objects that are no longer
needed.
 Memory for objects are allocated in the heap
 Method calls and local variables are stored in the stack.
9. High Performance
Java is faster than old interpreted languages. Java program is first converted into
bytecode which is faster than interpreted code. It is slower than fully compiled
languages like C or C++ because of interpretation and JIT compilation process. Java
performance is improve with the help of Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, which makes
it faster than many interpreted languages but not as fast as fully compiled
languages.
10. Multithreading
Multithreading in Java allows multiple threads to run at the same time.
 It improves CPU utilization and enhancing performance in applications that
require concurrent task execution.
 Multithreading is especially important for interactive and high-performance
applications, such as games and real-time systems.
 Java provides build in support for managing multiple threads. A thread is
known as the smallest unit of execution within a process.
Example: Basic Multithreadig in Java
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// Java program to demonstrate multithreading
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class MyThread extends Thread {
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public void run() {
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System.out.println("Thread is running...");
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}
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}
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public class Geeks {
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public static void main(String[] args) {
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MyThread thread = new MyThread();
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// Starts the thread
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thread.start();
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}
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}

Output
Thread is running...
11. Rich Standard Library
Java provides various pre-built tools and libraries which is known as Java API. Java
API is used to cover tasks like file handling, networking, database connectivity
(JDBC), security, etc. With the help of these libraries developers save a lot of time
and ready to use solutions and can also build a powerful application.
12. Functional Programming Features
Since Java 8, the language has introduced functional programming features such as:
 lambda expression allows you to write shorter, more readable code by using
inline expressions instead of traditional methods.
 Stream API allows data to be processed efficiently, supporting operations like
filtering, mapping, and reducing data without the need for complex loops.
 Functional interfaces contain just one method, are designed to work
seamlessly with lambda expressions, making the code more flexible and
reusable.
Example:
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// Java program demonstrating lambda expressions
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interface Lambda {
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int operate(int a, int b);
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}
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public class Geeks {
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public static void main(String[] args) {
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// Lambda expression
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Lambda add = (a, b) -> a + b;
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System.out.println("Addition: " + add.operate(2, 3));
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}
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}
Output
Addition: 5
13. Integration with Other Technologies
Java can also works with other technologies and languages, including C/C++ with
the help of Java Native Interface (JNI). Java works well with web technologies and
web services (RESTful & SOAP), JDBC for database connectivity. Java is the main
language for Android development. This flexibility of java enables developers to
create scalable and powerful applications for various domains.
14. Support for Mobile and Web Application
Java offers support for both web and mobile applications.
 For web development: Java offers technologies like JSP and Servlets, along
with frameworks like Spring and Springboot, which makes it easier to build
web applications.
 For mobile development: Java is the main language for Android app
development. The Android SDK uses special version of Java and its various
tools to build mobile apps for Android devices.
15. Documentation and Community Support
Java provide documentation which includes guides, API references, and