What is Java?

Java is a programming language expressly designed for use in the distributed environment of the Internet. It was designed to have the “look and feel” of the C++ language, but it is simpler to use than C++ and enforces an object-oriented programming model.

Java can be used to create complete applications that may run on a single computer or be distributed among servers and clients in a network.

It can also be used to build a small application module or applet for use as part of a Web page. Applets make it possible for a Web page user to interact with the page.

Major characteristics of Java

• Portability

source program is compiled into what Java calls bytecode, which can be run anywhere in a network on a server or client that has a Java virtual machine. The Java virtual machine interprets the bytecode into code that will run on the real computer hardware.

• Code is robust

unlike programs written in C++ and perhaps some other languages, the Java objects can contain no references to data external to themselves or other known objects.

• Object-oriented

an object can take advantage of being part of a class of objects and inherit code that is common to the class.

• Easy to learn

Compare to the C++, Java is easy to learn.

There are more characteristics as well.

Next post will be about the History of Java.