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What is Java?

Thinking

Before diving deep into Java, it’s essential to understand what Java really is. Why is it so widely adopted in the software world? Why do enterprises, developers, and learners continue to trust Java for over two decades?

Understanding Java's core principles—like simplicity, portability, and robustness—sets the foundation for mastering advanced Java concepts and applying them across real-world software projects.

Description

Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language that is platform-independent due to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Developed by Sun Microsystems (now Oracle Corporation), Java is widely used for building secure, robust, and scalable applications—from web and mobile to enterprise and embedded systems.

Core Features of Java:

  • Platform-Independent: Java applications run on any system that supports the JVM.
  • Object-Oriented: Everything in Java is treated as an object, promoting reusability and modularity.
  • Simple & Easy: Syntax is clean and familiar to those who know C or C++.
  • Robust & Secure: Built-in error handling and security features make Java dependable.
  • Multithreading: Supports multiple threads of execution, enabling high-performance applications.

Did You Know? Java is used by over 9 million developers worldwide and powers more than 3 billion devices!

Video Resources

What is Java Programming?

Learn the basics and core concept of Java in this beginner-friendly video.

Examples (code)

Java Program to Print a Message


public class WelcomeJava {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Welcome to Java Programming!");
    }
}

This code demonstrates how Java syntax looks and how to output a message using the `System.out.println()` statement.

Real-World Applications

Web Servers

Java powers popular web servers and enterprise backend systems using frameworks like Spring.

Mobile Apps

Java is the foundation for Android applications running on billions of smartphones.

IoT Devices

Embedded Java is used in smart cards, sensors, and other IoT-enabled devices.

Education

Java is taught widely in schools and universities due to its clarity and industry relevance.

Interview Questions

Q1: What is Java?

Show Answer

Java is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language designed to be platform-independent using the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Q2: Is Java compiled or interpreted?

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Java is both compiled and interpreted. Java source code is first compiled into bytecode, which is then interpreted by the JVM.

Q3: Why is Java platform-independent?

Show Answer

Because Java programs are compiled into bytecode, which can run on any machine with a compatible JVM, making it platform-independent.

Q4: What is JVM?

Show Answer

JVM (Java Virtual Machine) is an engine that runs Java bytecode and enables Java applications to be platform-independent.