Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It is platform-independent, meaning code written in Java can run on any device equipped with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Java is a powerful, class-based, object-oriented programming language designed with minimal implementation dependencies. It was introduced by Sun Microsystems (now owned by Oracle) and has since become one of the most widely used programming languages in the world.

Java’s core philosophy is “Write Once, Run Anywhere” (WORA). This is achieved through Java’s compilation process, which transforms source code into an intermediate format known as bytecode. This bytecode is executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which exists on various platforms, making Java applications cross-platform by nature.

Being statically typed, Java ensures type safety during compile time. It encourages a disciplined approach to coding, reducing common programming errors. The syntax of Java is largely influenced by C++, but it omits many complex features such as multiple inheritance and pointers, making it easier to learn and more secure.

Java supports multiple programming paradigms:

• Primarily object-oriented
• Features of functional programming (e.g., lambda expressions, Stream API introduced in Java 8)

Java’s ecosystem is vast and versatile. It consists of:

• Java SE (Standard Edition) for general-purpose applications
• Java EE / Jakarta EE for enterprise applications
• Java ME for mobile and embedded devices
• JavaFX for building rich client applications

Java powers:

• Android mobile apps
• Web applications
• Enterprise software
• Financial systems
• IoT and embedded systems

Security is one of Java’s strengths. Its runtime environment includes a security manager, sandboxing, bytecode verification, and strong type checking. Combined with automatic garbage collection and exception handling, Java helps create robust and reliable applications.

Java remains relevant due to regular updates (every 6 months) and the introduction of modern programming features. It continues to evolve with versions like Java 8 (functional programming), Java 11 (LTS), Java 17 and Java 21, all supporting better performance, scalability, and productivity.

Key Points

• Developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995 (now owned by Oracle)
• Compiled into bytecode that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
• Platform-independent – “Write Once, Run Anywhere”
• Object-oriented and strongly typed language
• Easy to learn, secure, and robust
• Widely used for web, desktop, enterprise, and Android mobile applications
• Large ecosystem with frameworks like Spring, Hibernate, and tools like Maven, Gradle
• Supports functional programming (from Java 8 onward)
• Backed by strong community support and regular updates