What is Java?
Java is a programming language and a platform. As a language it is high-level, robust, secure and object-oriented. As a platform, it provides a runtime environment (JRE) and a large API for programs to run in.
A Short History
- Developed by James Gosling and his team at Sun Microsystems, starting in 1991.
- First called Oak (after an oak tree outside Gosling's office), then renamed Java.
- Java 1.0 was released in 1995.
- Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010 and now maintains Java.
Where is Java Used?
| Application Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Desktop applications | IDEs (IntelliJ, Eclipse), media players |
| Web applications | Spring Boot back-ends, banking portals |
| Enterprise applications | Banking, insurance and ERP systems |
| Mobile applications | Android apps |
| Big Data | Hadoop, Kafka, Spark (JVM-based) |
| Embedded systems | Smart cards, set-top boxes |
Types of Java Platforms (Editions)
- Java SE (Standard Edition): core language and libraries.
- Java EE / Jakarta EE (Enterprise Edition): web and enterprise applications.
- Java ME (Micro Edition): small and embedded devices.
- JavaFX: rich desktop GUI applications.
Track your progress through the Java course