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” it was renamed as “Java” in the year 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 highly optimized set of instructions designed to be executed by Java Virtual Machine. JVM works as an interpreter for the byte code.

To use java programming language we require JDK (Java Development Kit) and this includes JRE (Java Runtime Environment).

Why do we need to learn java?

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 it is interpreted by JVM.
Multithreaded: Java meets the requirement of creating interactive and networked programs. Java supports multithreaded programming that allows to write programs that perform various tasks simultaneously.
Robust: Running java program on multiplatform environment and executes reliably. Java has strictly typed language 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 Platform or in the machine does 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 facility to develop Graphical User Interface based desktop application by various means like AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit), Java Swings and JavaFX. AWT consists of various components like Menu, buttons, 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 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 also large electromechanical devices are also coded in java.
Enterprise Applications: Java Enterprise Edition supports to develop enterprise-level applications like banking. JEE provides APIs and runtime environment for scripting.
Web Applications: Java Advance technologies like Servlets, JSP, and Struts support to develop web applications. Using these technologies a programmer can develop highly secure web applications and these are easy to code.

Simple Java Program

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 the java is purely object oriented language basic knowledge of any object oriented language like C++ is necessary and it becomes easier to understand java. Only programmer need to understand basic syntax and structure of java programming language.

Target Audience

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