What is Java? Benefits, Editions, and Best Tools

In today’s environment, computer programming is essential. You wouldn’t be able to use your phone or computer if it weren’t for computer programming. Computer programming is the process of communicating with machines in such a way that they perform something as we require.

C++, Python, JavaScript, Ruby, Golang, PHP, and R are some of the leading programming languages. In this blog, you will get to know about one of these most popular languages, i.e., Java.

This general-purpose, object-oriented programming language has one of the fastest-growing careers in the IT industry. Consequently, learning Java is a lucrative opportunity. So, let’s begin.

What is Java? How is it Important?

Sun Microsystems released the object-oriented programming language in 1995. It’s a general-purpose programming language that’s primarily used for web-based applications. Java was built to allow embedded network programs to run on a variety of systems.

Today, the Java programming language is used to create a wide range of apps, including games, social media applications, audio and video programs, and much more.

It is an object-oriented programming language that is used in billions of devices, including notebook computers, mobile devices, and video gaming consoles. The principles and syntax of the programming language are very similar to C and C++ programming languages.

How does Java Work?

The Java Development Kit (JDK), which is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, is required to construct a Java application. After writing the program in the programming language, the compiler changes it to Java bytecode, which is the set of instructions for the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which is part of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE).

Java bytecode runs unmodified on any system that supports JVMs, allowing you to run your Java code on any platform. The JVM, the Java API, and a comprehensive development environment make up the Java software platform.

JVM parses and executes (interprets) Java bytecode. The Java API includes a large number of libraries, including fundamental objects, networking, and security features, as well as XML creation and web services.

The Java programming language and the Java software platform, when combined, comprise a strong and well-proven solution for enterprise software development.

Benefits of Java

• It allows you to execute many statements simultaneously rather than sequentially.
• It’s an object-oriented and class-based programming language.
• Java is a stand-alone programming language that adheres to the “write once, run anywhere (WORA)” philosophy, which means that compiled code can run on any platform that supports Java.
• It is a very portable language. As long as it includes a Java interpreter, the same application will operate on any computer, independent of hardware or operating system.
• Aside from portability, one of the main benefits of this programming language is its collection of security mechanisms, which protect a PC executing a Java program not just from problems caused by erroneous code, but also from malicious programs (such as viruses).
• The virtual machine creates a barrier between an untrustworthy Java program and the computer that runs it.
• Java applications are more organized than their C++ counterparts. In this programming language, all functions (or Java methods) and statements that can be executed must be contained within a class, whereas in C++, function definitions and lines of code can exist outside of classes.
• It’s a free and open standard with open-source code.
• Sun’s Java website offers free downloads of all the tools you’ll need to create and run Java applets and apps.

Java Editions

1. Java SE

The Standard Edition is the most popular Java API among programmers. It includes the Java programming language’s essential features.

For graphical user interface development, XML parsing, database access, networking, and security, you can design everything from fundamental core types and objects to high-level classes.

A virtual machine, deployment technologies, development tools, and numerous tools and libraries typically used in Java programming are all included in the standard version, in addition to the API.

2. Java EE

The Java EE platform is constructed on top of the Java SE platform. It is a set of APIs and runtime environments for building and running large-scale, multi-tiered, scalable, dependable, and secure network applications.

Java EE should be used if your application requires a large distributed system. Remote Method Invocation (RMI), Database Access (JPA, JDBC), Web Services, Messaging, and XML Processing are all included in the Enterprise Edition.

3. Java ME

Java Micro Edition is used in the creation of mobile applications and embedded systems, such as set-top boxes. It is a subset of the Java Standard Edition that includes some additional mobile-related libraries.

It includes APIs and a small-footprint VM for running Java programs on mobile phones. Java ME programs are frequent clients of platform services provided by the Java Enterprise Edition.

Java Tools

There is no scarcity of the tools available for the Java programming language due to its immense popularity. Here, we will discuss two of the most trusted companions for Java programmers; IDEs and frameworks.

Java IDEs

Programming is a complex task that includes so many things. Thankfully, IDEs are there to make life easier for developers and programmers.

An integrated development environment is a set of tools that facilitates development with a programming language. Usually, an IDE comes with a source code editor, debugger, and compiler (or interpreter).

It offers various useful features like syntax highlighting, code refactoring, code inspection, and autosuggest. As it is one of the leading programming languages, there is no dearth of fully-functional and robust Java IDEsAMP. Seven of the most popular ones are:

1. BlueJ
2. DrJava
3. Codenvy
4. Eclipse
5. Greenfoot
6. IntelliJ IDEA
7. JCreator

While some IDEs for Java are free-to-use, others are paid. Some of them come with a 30-day free trial.

Java Frameworks

A framework is a collection of libraries and tools that facilitates software or web development. There is a multitude of Java frameworksAMP available. Five of the best ones are:

1. Spring
2. Apache Struts
3. Hibernate
4. GWT
5. Grails

While some frameworks are excellent for application development, others specialize in developing websites and web apps. Java web frameworks are further divided into three types; front-end, back-end, and full-stack.

Conclusion

In this blog, you came across what Java is and how it is contributing to the world of the IT industry. We also discussed how it works, Java IDEs, and Java frameworks.

Over the years, the demand for the programming language has been declining, especially after the emergence of Python and JavaScript. Nonetheless, it is still an in-demand skill.

The career graph in the field of Java will not end in the near future. So, if you are keen to pursue a career in this popular general-purpose, object-oriented programming language, go ahead.

We wish you all the luck!