Java is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible). It is a general-purpose programming language intended to let programmers write once, run anywhere (WORA), meaning that compiled Java code can run on all platforms that support Java without the need to recompile). Java applications are typically compiled to bytecode that can run on any Java virtual machine (JVM) regardless of the underlying computer architecture).
Java is widely used for creating software that makes it compatible with many different operating environments. It is a two-stage programming language, meaning that it is a compiled language and an interpreted one. Java began as a project for connecting systems, such as connecting office devices on a network and creating interactive television. However, the switch to using Java for the internet came on a heel-turn and led to Java taking the lead as the number one programming language for the interactive web or — web 2.0 as developers commonly refer to it in discussions.
Java is often referred to as WORA – Write Once and Run Anywhere, making it perfect for decentralized cloud-based applications. Cloud providers choose Java language to run programs on a wide range of underlying platforms. Java is used for data processing engines that can work with complex data sets and massive amounts of real-time data. It is also used for game development, mobile applications (especially Android apps), desktop applications, web applications, web servers and application servers, database connection, and much more.
Some of the reasons why Java is popular include:
- Platform Independence: Java code can run on any platform that supports Java without the need to recompile).
- Object-Oriented: Java is an object-oriented language which gives a clear structure to programs and allows code to be reused, lowering development costs.
- Large Community Support: Java has a huge community support (tens of millions of developers) .
- Easy to Learn: Java is easy to learn and simple to use.
- Open-Source and Free: Java is open-source and free.
- Secure, Fast, and Powerful: Java is secure, fast, and powerful.
Overall, Java is a widely used object-oriented programming language and software platform that runs on billions of devices, including notebook computers, mobile devices, and more.
