Java is a high-level programming language developed by the sun microsystem. First, it was conceived by James Gosling, Patrick Naughton, Chris Warth, Ed Frank, and Mike in the year 1991. Initially, it was named “Oak,” and it was renamed “Java” in 1995. Java is a highly object-oriented, platform-independent, and secure programming language.

One of the most important factors in the java programming language is its Bytecode conversion. Byte codes in Java are a highly optimized set of instructions designed to be executed by Java Virtual Machine. JVM works as an interpreter for the byte code.

We require JDK (Java Development Kit) to use java programming language, including JRE (Java Runtime Environment).

Why do we need to learn Java?

In today’s modern technology of software development java programming language provides greater advantages. Following some features of Java, languages give some basic ideas about why to learn Java.

Simple: Java is designed in such a way that a programmer can easily learn and use it effectively. If a programmer is aware of some basics of Object-Oriented Programming, learning java will be easier.
Object-oriented: In Java, everything is an Object. Java was not designed to be source code compatible with any other languages. This benefits a clean, usable, and pragmatic approach to objects. It can easily extend since Java is based on the object model.
Platform independent: Unlike other programming languages, java code is not converted to platform-specific Machine language. Rather java code is converted into platform-independent Bytecode, and JVM interprets it.
Multithreaded: Java meets the requirement of creating interactive and networked programs. Java supports multithreaded programming that allows writing programs that perform various tasks simultaneously.
Robust: Running java program on multiplatform environment and executes reliably. Java has a strictly typed language. Therefore, it checks java code at compile time and runs time.
Architecture neutral: Java designer’s main goal was “write once, run anywhere, anytime. The changes in the Platform or in the machine do not affect the java code.
Distributed: Java is designed to run on a distributed environment or Internet because it handles TCP/IP protocol, and it also supports Remote Method Invocation.

Applications of Java

Java is used in various application developments following are some real-time applications of Java.

Desktop GUI applications: Java provides the facility to develop Graphical User Interface-based desktop applications by various means like AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit), Java Swings, and JavaFX. AWT consists of various components like menus, buttons, and text boxes. Etc…JavaFX is a media package that provides 3D graphics.
Mobile applications: Advanced java technology - Java 2 Micro Edition is a cross-platform technology that provides to develop of applications that run on any platform i.e., Java-supported devices like mobile phones or smartphones. And recent technology of android is also scripted in Java with other APIS.
Embedded System: Embedded electronic devices ranging from tiny chips to large electronic gadgets like refrigerators, TVs, and large electromechanical devices are coded in Java.
Enterprise Applications: Java Enterprise Edition supports to development of enterprise-level applications like banking. JEE provides APIs and a runtime environment for scripting.
Web Applications: Java Advance technologies like Servlets, JSP, and Struts support the development of web applications. Using these technologies, a programmer can develop highly secure web applications that are easy to code.

Simple Java Program

Code:

public class SimpleExample1
{
public static void main(String[] args)
{
int a = 10;
System.out.println("Hello……EDUCBA");
System.out.println("Value of a = "+ a);
}
}

Output:

Prerequisite

To learn java programming language programmer should have prior basic knowledge of any programming language such as C. Since Java is a purely object-oriented language, basic knowledge of any object-oriented language like C++ is necessary, and it becomes easier to understand Java. The only programmer needs to understand the basic syntax and structure of the java programming language.

Target Audience

Starting from the java standard edition, it's a greater beginning for java programmers Standard Edition support to develop, ranging from Desktop applications to embedded systems. Advanced java version i.e. J2EE technologies, support to develop Enterprise level applications, web applications, gaming applications, etc….