What is Java? What is it used for?

Java is a widely used object-oriented programming language that runs on billions of devices, including laptops, mobile devices, game consoles, medical devices, and others. Java’s rules and syntax are based on the C and C++ languages.

Java is fast, secure, and reliable. Developers use Java to create applications for laptops, data centers, game consoles, scientific supercomputers, cell phones, and other devices.

James Gosling and Sun Microsystems developed the Java programming language in 1991. Java is a programming language with the philosophy of “Write Once, Run Anywhere”. One of the biggest advantages of developing software with Java is its portability. After writing the code of a Java program on a laptop, it is quite easy to transfer the code to a mobile device.

New software development tools are rapidly replacing built-in products that were once considered indispensable. In the face of this change, Java's longevity is remarkable. Despite being developed over twenty years ago, Java remains among the most popular languages for application software development. As a result, Java continues to be an important requirement for competing in the job market.
 

Why is the Java Programming Language Called Java?

Java is the name of an island in Indonesia. It is said that the first coffee was named after Java coffee. This name was chosen by James Gosling while having a cup of coffee near his office. Initially, Java was introduced with the name OAK. However, after Oak Technologies, the team decided to officially rename it. They chose Java because it was unique among many alternatives.

How Does Java Work?

Java is a technology that consists of both a programming language and a software platform. To create an application using Java, you need to download the Java Development Kit (JDK) available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Java is a two-step programming language; that is, it is compiled and interpreted language. However, unlike most other compiled languages, it is not directly compiled into an executable file.

The code is first compiled and then converted into a binary form called Java Bytecode. Finally, the JBC is compiled and interpreted into the native language required to run in the target operating environment. This is a significant advantage for developers because they can write the code once and run it anywhere.

What is Java Used For?

Many applications and websites use Java. It is preferred in many areas, from laptops to data centers, game consoles to scientific supercomputers, cell phones to the internet.

• ✅ 97% of enterprise desktop computers use Java.
• ✅ There are 9 million Java Developers worldwide.
• ✅ 3 billion cell phones use Java.
• ✅ 125 million TV devices run Java.

Java software allows you to write for a single platform and run on almost all other platforms. It helps develop server-side applications for online forums, stores, surveys, processing HTML forms, and more. It is also preferred for creating customized applications or services.
 

Why is Java So Popular? | Features of Java

According to the TIOBE Index, Java is the Python, C and C++ as the fourth most popular programming language. The reason for Java’s widespread use is due to its features:

• Simple. Java is easier to use compared to many other similar languages.
• Portable. Java is platform-independent; developers can write the code once and run it anywhere.
• Two-phase execution. Java has two phases in its execution process. First, it is compiled and then interpreted into a format that can be used by the target operating system.
• Secure. Thanks to the two-phase execution process, the security of Java code is increased. Since the code goes through two phases, attempts to hack or alter it maliciously are controlled.
• Dynamic. Java is designed to adapt to changes to help reduce memory waste and increase performance speed.
• Distributed. Java can connect devices over the internet and request specific program functions from them. This means that many devices, like computers, can run the same program.
• User-friendly. Java is easier to learn compared to other programming languages.
• Good documentation. Since Java is an open-source programming language, it is completely free. It includes documentation that explains the issues you may encounter while coding in Java. This is an important feature of Java.
• Large community. Community support for Java is one of the factors behind its popularity.

What Can Be Developed with Java? 

Some common uses of Java are as follows:

1- Mobile Application Development

Since the release of smartphones, mobile application development has significantly increased and has become one of the skills to learn. Today, there are millions of mobile applications in the three most popular smartphone app stores.

By nature, Java is a good choice for creating complex applications with multiple interfaces. It also works well as a programming language for mobile applications because it is suitable for connecting different devices.

2- Big Data

Big data is a sector that works with tracking and reporting data for various needs. Many companies use data analytics to track users, people, products, sales, and more. In addition to Python, which is used in big data, there are many other popular programming languages. One of them is Java.

One of the reasons Java is used in big data is that Java facilitates working with large amounts of data and creates data visualizations. Another reason is that the most popular big data tools like Hadoop and Deeplearning4j use Java.

3- Software Development

Java is based on the WORA (Write Once, Run Anywhere) philosophy and runs on many different operating environments. This language is quite flexible, making it a good choice for software development. Additionally, developers can write the code once and run the software anywhere, creating software for multiple systems at the same time.

4- Internet of Things

The Internet of Things connects physical devices that need to communicate and share data. Examples include airplanes and air traffic controllers. The Java programming language is suitable for connecting devices together.

Developers see Java as the best language for IoT device development because Java is a platform-independent programming language. As a result, you only need to create the code once, and the code can run on various devices, reducing the overall workload

Compared to other programming languages, integrating multiple technologies with Java is easier. For these reasons, it is used in automotive navigation systems, various medical devices, and embedded electronics.

5- Web Development

Java is a well-known server-side programming language commonly used to create web applications. Developers use Java to add interactivity to web pages.

Spring, Struts, Hibernate, Apache Hadoop and JSF are among the most popular Java frameworks for creating web applications. Java is also used by famous tech giants like LinkedIn, AliExpress, Amazon, and others.
 

What are the Differences Between Java and JavaScript?

Java and JavaScript are often confused due to their similar names. However, they have distinct differences.

Among their similarities is that both are used for programming software and both have names that include the word Java. :) JavaScript is only an interpreted language; Java is a language that is first compiled and then interpreted into an executable file. This characteristic changes the way the development task is approached.

While Java is used for server-side development, JavaScript focuses more on client-side scripts. To learn more about what JavaScript is used for, you can read our blog post.
 

How Long Does It Take to Learn Java?

Java is a simple programming language compared to many other programming languages. If you want to start a career in software, knowing Java is a skill you should have. You can learn the basics in a short period of 2-4 months with free Java bootcamps.

Developers often ask themselves at some point in their careers: Do I need a Java certification? Some employers place a high value on certifications. Obtaining a certification will help you advance in your career. For this, you can explore Oracle’s Java certification programs.
 

Java Projects for Beginners

If you are wondering what to do with Java, we have listed a few Java project ideas for beginners below. These will help you learn more about the programming language and test your skills:

• Currency Converter
• ATM Interface
• Smart City Project
• Number Guessing Game
• Web Server Management System
• Data Visualization Software 

Conclusion: Learn Java

Java is designed to enable the development of portable, high-performance applications for the widest range of computing platforms possible.

It is a very popular language with a wide range of applications, an extensive support network, various libraries, and frameworks. To see Java frameworks, you can read this article.

There are many reasons to start learning Java. It is a forward-looking and in-demand skill needed in various fields. Are you already a Java Developer? Click here to create your profile in 2 minutes and lean back, let us take care of the rest.