Java: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:38, 6 July 2025

Java is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. Developed by Sun Microsystems in the mid-1990s, Java was originally intended to be a simple, portable, network-centric language that could be used for developing a wide range of applications, from mobile phone software to large-scale enterprise solutions. Today, it is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, powering millions of devices and applications across various platforms.

History

Java was created by James Gosling and his team at Sun Microsystems, with the first public release occurring in 1995. The idea behind Java's development was to create a language that could run on any device, avoiding the compatibility issues prevalent with programming languages at that time. This was achieved through the implementation of the "Write Once, Run Anywhere" (WORA) principle, which asserts that code compiled in Java can run on any platform that has a compatible Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

The initial release of Java, known as Java 1.0, was primarily designed for interactive television applications. However, it quickly gained traction in the burgeoning world of the internet as developers recognized its potential for building web-based applications. In 1996, Sun Microsystems released the Java Development Kit (JDK), which included tools for developing Java applications. Java's popularity continued to soar with the launch of applets, which enabled developers to embed Java directly into web pages to create interactive content.

Over the years, Java underwent several major updates, including the introduction of Java 2 in 1998, which brought substantial enhancements, such as the introduction of the Swing GUI toolkit and the JavaFoundation Classes (JFC). As Java evolved, it continued to find usages in diverse areas like enterprise software, mobile applications with Java ME, and server-side applications with Java EE (Enterprise Edition).

Notably, across its history, numerous organizations and developers have contributed to the language's development. In 2006, Sun released much of Java as open-source under the GNU General Public License. This move encouraged wider adoption and community involvement. In 2010, Oracle Corporation acquired Sun Microsystems, leading to further changes in the management and development of Java. Oracle has since maintained and promoted Java as a core technology, releasing regular updates and enhancements, including the transition to a new release cadence focused on continuous innovation.

Architecture

Java's architecture is defined primarily by its robust runtime environment, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and its foundational libraries. The JVM serves as an intermediary layer between Java code and the hardware of the host machine, interpreting compiled Java bytecode, which allows Java to maintain its cross-platform compatibility.

Java Platform

The Java platform is composed of two principal components: the Java Development Kit (JDK) and the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). The JDK contains development tools, including a compiler (javac), a debugger, and other utilities that are necessary to produce Java applications. The JRE, on the other hand, provides the libraries and the JVM required to run Java applications.

Additionally, the Java platform is subdivided into several editions including:

Java Standard Edition (Java SE): The core functionality of the Java programming language, providing libraries and APIs for general-purpose programming.
Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE): Built on Java SE, it provides an extensive suite of enterprise-level features such as servlets, JavaServer Pages (JSP), and Java Message Service (JMS) that facilitate large-scale application development.
Java Micro Edition (Java ME): A subset of the Java platform designed for developing applications on resource-constrained devices like mobile phones and embedded systems.

The Java Virtual Machine

The JVM is the powerhouse of Java applications, embodying the philosophy of "Write Once, Run Anywhere." Each Java application is compiled into bytecode which is machine-independent, and the JVM is responsible for interpreting this bytecode to run on the specific hardware and operating system. As a result, developers can focus on building their applications without worrying about hardware or operating system compatibility.

The JVM performs various tasks, including memory management, garbage collection, and execution of Java bytecode. Java's automatic garbage collection helps manage memory by reclaiming memory that is no longer in use, thus minimizing memory leaks which are common in other programming languages.

Implementation

The implementation of Java is characterized by its versatility and adaptability to various application domains. Despite its origins in web-based applications, Java has extended its reach into the realms of mobile app development, big data, scientific computing, and enterprise solutions.

Web Applications

Java is extensively used in web applications, particularly due to its strong support for server-side development through Java EE. Technologies such as Servlets and JSP provide a structured way to build dynamic web content, while frameworks like Spring MVC and Jakarta EE further enhance Java's capabilities in web application development. These frameworks offer built-in features like dependency injection, aspect-oriented programming, and model-view-controller architectures, streamlining the development process and enhancing code maintainability.

Mobile Applications

Java has a significant presence in mobile app development, especially in Android, which is the most popular mobile operating system worldwide. The Android SDK is based heavily on Java, allowing developers to create applications that can utilize device features such as GPS, camera, and local storage. Thanks to Java's versatility, Android apps can easily integrate with web APIs and other services, creating a dynamic ecosystem for app development.

Enterprise and Cloud Solutions

Java's reliability and performance make it an ideal choice for enterprise-level applications. Java EE provides a wide set of APIs and tools that streamline the development of enterprise applications, supporting functionalities such as distributed computing, transaction management, and messaging services. Leading organizations employ Java for their mission-critical applications, and its rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks allows for rapid development cycles and easy integration with other technologies.

Moreover, with the rise of cloud computing, Java continues to adapt to new paradigms in software development. Many cloud service providers offer Java-based services and runtimes, facilitating the development of scalable applications that can leverage cloud computing capabilities, such as microservices and containerization using platforms like Docker and Kubernetes.

Real-world Examples

Java’s adaptability has enabled its uptake in various industries, thereby contributing to its reputation as a language suited for real-world applications. Large tech firms, government bodies, and financial institutions frequently rely on Java for their backend services and applications.

Financial Services

The financial sector heavily utilizes Java for building and maintaining their applications due to its stability, security features, and performance. Application servers handling online banking transactions, trading platforms, and risk analysis systems leverage Java’s capabilities to manage large volumes of transactions efficiently. For instance, many major banks and stock trading platforms use Java to facilitate millions of transactions per minute, underpinned by its robust ecosystem.

E-commerce Platforms

Java is also the backbone of numerous e-commerce platforms, providing the necessary infrastructure to support complex functionalities such as payment processing, inventory management, and customer relationship management (CRM). Large-scale platforms like eBay and Amazon leverage Java’s set of capabilities alongside frameworks like Spring to provide a seamless shopping experience to millions of users.

Scientific Research

In scientific research, Java has made its imprint by powering simulation software, data analysis tools, and large-scale data processing frameworks. Libraries such as Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark are written in Java and allow researchers to perform extensive data analysis, harnessing the parallel processing capabilities inherent within the language.

Criticism and Limitations

Despite its many strengths, Java has faced criticism from certain segments of the developer community. Some criticisms focus on its performance, which, while generally good, can be slower than native languages like C or C++. The additional abstraction layers introduced by the JVM may result in latency in execution compared to languages that compile directly to machine code.

Additionally, the verbosity of Java can be viewed as a hindrance, especially when compared to more concise languages such as Python or Kotlin. Developers often find themselves writing more code in Java to accomplish similar tasks that can be completed with less code in other languages.

Moreover, Java's memory consumption is another point of concern; applications written in Java can demand a larger amount of memory than those written in other programming languages. This can pose challenges in environments with strict memory constraints, such as mobile devices or embedded systems.

Lastly, since Oracle gained stewardship of Java, there have been community concerns over open-source licensing and the direction of Java's development. The introduction of a time-based release model has resulted in a need for developers to frequently update their skills to keep pace with new features and changes.

References

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Java''' is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. Developed by James Gosling and his team at Sun Microsystems, Java was first released in 1995 and has since become one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. Its versatility, ease of use, and wide array of libraries have made it suitable for a variety of applications, from web development and mobile applications to large-scale enterprise systems.
+'''Java''' is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. Developed by Sun Microsystems in the mid-1990s, Java was originally intended to be a simple, portable, network-centric language that could be used for developing a wide range of applications, from mobile phone software to large-scale enterprise solutions. Today, it is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, powering millions of devices and applications across various platforms.
 == History ==
-The conception of Java began in the early 1990s when a small team led by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems started working on a project originally called the "Green Project". The aim was to develop a set of tools for programming consumer electronic devices. In 1992, the team developed the programming language, which they initially named Oak, after an oak tree that stood outside Gosling's office. However, due to trademark issues concerning the name Oak, they renamed it Java, inspired by Java coffee.
+Java was created by James Gosling and his team at Sun Microsystems, with the first public release occurring in 1995. The idea behind Java's development was to create a language that could run on any device, avoiding the compatibility issues prevalent with programming languages at that time. This was achieved through the implementation of the "Write Once, Run Anywhere" (WORA) principle, which asserts that code compiled in Java can run on any platform that has a compatible Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
-Java's first public release came in 1995 and was associated with the burgeoning movement towards the Internet. Several features were included, such as platform independence and a garbage collection system, which simplified memory management. The language quickly gained traction due to its "write once, run anywhere" (WORA) capability, allowing developers to create applications that could run on any device capable of interpreting Java bytecode, thus making it ideal for web-based applications.
+The initial release of Java, known as Java 1.0, was primarily designed for interactive television applications. However, it quickly gained traction in the burgeoning world of the internet as developers recognized its potential for building web-based applications. In 1996, Sun Microsystems released the Java Development Kit (JDK), which included tools for developing Java applications. Java's popularity continued to soar with the launch of applets, which enabled developers to embed Java directly into web pages to create interactive content.
-In 1996, Sun Microsystems released the Java Development Kit (JDK) and the first version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Subsequent versions of Java have incorporated additional features and performance improvements, with major milestones occurring in 1998 with Java 2 and again in 2004 with Java 5, which introduced features like generics, metadata, and improved concurrency support.
+Over the years, Java underwent several major updates, including the introduction of Java 2 in 1998, which brought substantial enhancements, such as the introduction of the Swing GUI toolkit and the JavaFoundation Classes (JFC). As Java evolved, it continued to find usages in diverse areas like enterprise software, mobile applications with Java ME, and server-side applications with Java EE (Enterprise Edition).
-In 2010, Oracle Corporation acquired Sun Microsystems and has since overseen the evolution of Java, releasing regular updates and new versions of the language, including Java 8 in 2014, which introduced lambdas and streams, and Java 11 in 2018, which became a Long-Term Support (LTS) version. The licensing and release model of Java has evolved significantly under Oracle's stewardship, most notably with the introduction of a new six-month release cadence beginning with Java 9.
+Notably, across its history, numerous organizations and developers have contributed to the language's development. In 2006, Sun released much of Java as open-source under the GNU General Public License. This move encouraged wider adoption and community involvement. In 2010, Oracle Corporation acquired Sun Microsystems, leading to further changes in the management and development of Java. Oracle has since maintained and promoted Java as a core technology, releasing regular updates and enhancements, including the transition to a new release cadence focused on continuous innovation.
-== Key Features ==
-Java is recognized for several key features that contribute to its popularity among developers. This section discusses the most important characteristics of the language.
-=== Platform Independence ===
-One of Java's standout features is its platform independence, achieved through the use of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Java programs are compiled into an intermediate form known as bytecode, which can be executed on any machine that has a compatible JVM. This enables developers to write code on one platform and run it on any other platform without modification, which is particularly advantageous in heterogeneous environments.
-=== Object-Oriented Programming ===
-Java is a fully object-oriented language, which emphasizes the use of objects to design software. The core principles of object-oriented programming (OOP) in Java include encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Encapsulation allows for the bundling of data with methods that operate on it, inheritance permits the creation of new classes based on existing ones, and polymorphism provides a means to define methods that can perform different tasks based on the object invoking them. These principles contribute to a modular and organized approach to programming.
-=== Rich Standard Libraries ===
-Java comes with a comprehensive standard library that offers a wide range of pre-built classes and methods, simplifying various programming tasks. The standard library includes utility classes for data structures, networking, file handling, GUI development, and various other functionalities. This rich set of APIs significantly reduces development time and allows programmers to focus on the application logic rather than low-level details.
-=== Automatic Memory Management ===
-Java employs automatic memory management through its built-in garbage collection (GC) system. This feature abstracts the process of memory allocation and deallocation from the developer, reducing the risk of memory leaks and other related issues. The garbage collector runs in the background to reclaim memory from objects that are no longer in use, thus enhancing application stability and performance.
-=== Multithreading Support ===
-Java provides built-in support for multithreading, allowing multiple threads of execution to run concurrently within a single program. This feature facilitates the development of high-performance applications that can efficiently perform multiple tasks simultaneously, such as handling web requests or processing large datasets. The Java framework provides various synchronization mechanisms to manage thread interactions and resource sharing, making it easier to develop concurrent programs.
-=== Security Features ===
-Java incorporates robust security features, which play a crucial role in developing secure applications. The language's runtime environment includes a security manager that enforces access controls, the capability to operate in a sandbox mode allows applets to execute with restricted permissions, and built-in cryptographic libraries strengthen data protection. These features have made Java a preferred choice for sensitive applications in sectors such as finance and healthcare.
 == Architecture ==
-Java's architecture is a key aspect of its versatility and power. This section outlines the different components of the Java architecture and how they work together to enable the execution of Java applications.
+Java's architecture is defined primarily by its robust runtime environment, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and its foundational libraries. The JVM serves as an intermediary layer between Java code and the hardware of the host machine, interpreting compiled Java bytecode, which allows Java to maintain its cross-platform compatibility.
-=== Java Development Kit (JDK) ===
-The JDK serves as the development environment for Java programmers and includes tools for compiling, debugging, and monitoring Java applications. It comprises several essential components such as the Java Compiler (javac), which converts Java source code into bytecode; the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which provides the necessary libraries and components to execute Java applications; and various development tools including the Java Debugger (jdb) and the Java Runtime Environment (JRE).
-=== Java Runtime Environment (JRE) ===
-The JRE is an integral part of Java's architecture, providing the environment needed to run Java applications. It includes the JVM, core libraries, and other supporting files. The JVM interprets the bytecode generated by the Java compiler and executes the Java programs on the host machine. This layer enables platform independence, as different implementations of the JVM can be tailored to operate on various operating systems and hardware architectures.
-=== Java Virtual Machine (JVM) ===
+=== Java Platform ===
-The JVM is the cornerstone of Java's platform independence, acting as an intermediary between Java bytecode and the underlying hardware. It converts bytecode into machine-specific executable code at runtime, enabling Java applications to run on any device with an appropriate JVM. The JVM also manages memory allocation and garbage collection, providing a streamlined execution environment for Java programs. Additionally, it includes an extensive set of APIs that developers can utilize to interact with the host operating system.
+The Java platform is composed of two principal components: the Java Development Kit (JDK) and the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). The JDK contains development tools, including a compiler (javac), a debugger, and other utilities that are necessary to produce Java applications. The JRE, on the other hand, provides the libraries and the JVM required to run Java applications.
-=== Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) ===
+Additionally, the Java platform is subdivided into several editions including:
+* '''Java Standard Edition (Java SE)''': The core functionality of the Java programming language, providing libraries and APIs for general-purpose programming.
+* '''Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE)''': Built on Java SE, it provides an extensive suite of enterprise-level features such as servlets, JavaServer Pages (JSP), and Java Message Service (JMS) that facilitate large-scale application development.
+* '''Java Micro Edition (Java ME)''': A subset of the Java platform designed for developing applications on resource-constrained devices like mobile phones and embedded systems.
-Java offers a vast range of APIs that facilitate various programming tasks across different domains. These APIs encompass everything from input and output operations to networking, graphical user interface (GUI) development, and database connectivity. Additionally, Java supports a rich ecosystem of third-party libraries and frameworks such as Spring and Hibernate, extending its capabilities and allowing developers to create scalable and robust applications.
+=== The Java Virtual Machine ===
-=== Development Frameworks and Tools ===
+The JVM is the powerhouse of Java applications, embodying the philosophy of "Write Once, Run Anywhere." Each Java application is compiled into bytecode which is machine-independent, and the JVM is responsible for interpreting this bytecode to run on the specific hardware and operating system. As a result, developers can focus on building their applications without worrying about hardware or operating system compatibility.
-The Java ecosystem is bolstered by a host of development frameworks and tools that enhance productivity and facilitate the development process. Frameworks like Spring, JavaServer Faces (JSF), and Hibernate provide templates and reusable components for building enterprise-level applications, while tools such as Apache Maven and Gradle help manage project dependencies and automated builds. Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse offer developers comprehensive tools for code editing, debugging, and version control integration, streamlining the development workflow.
+The JVM performs various tasks, including memory management, garbage collection, and execution of Java bytecode. Java's automatic garbage collection helps manage memory by reclaiming memory that is no longer in use, thus minimizing memory leaks which are common in other programming languages.
 == Implementation ==
-Java's implementation spans a multitude of applications and sectors, highlighting its flexibility and robustness. This section examines the key areas where Java is widely employed.
+The implementation of Java is characterized by its versatility and adaptability to various application domains. Despite its origins in web-based applications, Java has extended its reach into the realms of mobile app development, big data, scientific computing, and enterprise solutions.
-=== Web Development ===
+=== Web Applications ===
-Java has established itself as a dominant language for web development, particularly due to its ability to create dynamic, interactive, and scalable web applications. Technologies such as JavaServer Pages (JSP), Servlets, and frameworks like Spring MVC allow developers to build robust server-side applications capable of handling high traffic and complex business logic. The Java ecosystem also supports pervasive use of technologies like RESTful and SOAP web services, facilitating seamless communication between applications over the internet.
+Java is extensively used in web applications, particularly due to its strong support for server-side development through Java EE. Technologies such as Servlets and JSP provide a structured way to build dynamic web content, while frameworks like Spring MVC and Jakarta EE further enhance Java's capabilities in web application development. These frameworks offer built-in features like dependency injection, aspect-oriented programming, and model-view-controller architectures, streamlining the development process and enhancing code maintainability.
 === Mobile Applications ===
-The advent of smartphones and mobile technology has opened up new horizons for Java, particularly through the Android operating system, which is based on Java. Android's SDK incorporates a Java-like programming environment, allowing developers to create mobile apps using Java code. This has resulted in an extensive marketplace for Android applications, leveraging Java's strengths in performance and usability. Java's ability to facilitate cross-platform development further enhances its appeal in this sector.
+Java has a significant presence in mobile app development, especially in Android, which is the most popular mobile operating system worldwide. The Android SDK is based heavily on Java, allowing developers to create applications that can utilize device features such as GPS, camera, and local storage. Thanks to Java's versatility, Android apps can easily integrate with web APIs and other services, creating a dynamic ecosystem for app development.
-=== Enterprise Applications ===
-Java's robustness, scalability, and security features make it an ideal choice for enterprise applications. Many large organizations rely on Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE), which provides a set of specifications and libraries specifically designed for building distributed, transactional, and multi-tier applications. Technologies such as Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB), Java Persistence API (JPA), and Java Message Service (JMS) make it easier to develop and manage large-scale enterprise solutions that require reliability and complex integrations.
-=== Big Data and Cloud Computing ===
-Java has found significant utility in the fields of big data and cloud computing. Frameworks such as Hadoop, which is predominantly written in Java, enable developers to process large datasets efficiently across distributed systems. Additionally, Java's compatibility with various cloud platforms makes it a suitable choice for developing cloud-based applications and services. Its ability to integrate with diverse data processing libraries and frameworks enhances Java's relevance in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
+=== Enterprise and Cloud Solutions ===
-=== Scientific and Research Applications ===
+Java's reliability and performance make it an ideal choice for enterprise-level applications. Java EE provides a wide set of APIs and tools that streamline the development of enterprise applications, supporting functionalities such as distributed computing, transaction management, and messaging services. Leading organizations employ Java for their mission-critical applications, and its rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks allows for rapid development cycles and easy integration with other technologies.
-The stability and performance of Java have made it a favored language in scientific computing and research domains. Libraries such as Apache Commons Math and JFreeChart allow researchers to perform complex calculations and visualize data effectively. Java's ability to create cross-platform applications also ensures that scientific software can be shared and utilized across different operating systems and configurations, further promoting collaboration within the research community.
+Moreover, with the rise of cloud computing, Java continues to adapt to new paradigms in software development. Many cloud service providers offer Java-based services and runtimes, facilitating the development of scalable applications that can leverage cloud computing capabilities, such as microservices and containerization using platforms like Docker and Kubernetes.
 == Real-world Examples ==
-Numerous well-known applications, systems, and frameworks have been built using Java, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness as a programming language. This section discusses a selection of significant real-world implementations of Java.
+Java’s adaptability has enabled its uptake in various industries, thereby contributing to its reputation as a language suited for real-world applications. Large tech firms, government bodies, and financial institutions frequently rely on Java for their backend services and applications.
-=== Android Operating System ===
-The Android operating system is one of the most notable real-world applications of Java. Although the Android SDK is designed to work with Java in a modified form, developers utilize Java syntax to create applications for Android devices. As a result, millions of Android applications, encompassing games, productivity tools, and social media platforms, have been developed using Java.
-=== Apache Hadoop ===
-Apache Hadoop is a prominent framework for distributed storage and processing of large datasets, primarily developed in Java. By leveraging Java's capabilities, Hadoop allows organizations to efficiently analyze colossal volumes of data across various clusters, making it a cornerstone technology in the realm of big data analytics. Its usage spans industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology.
-=== Spring Framework ===
-The Spring Framework is a widely adopted Java framework used for building enterprise-grade applications. It provides a comprehensive programming and configuration model, enabling developers to create scalable and maintainable applications. Spring's modular approach allows developers to focus on different aspects of their applications, such as data access, transaction management, and security, facilitating a streamlined development process.
-=== Eclipse IDE ===
-Eclipse is an open-source integrated development environment that supports the development of Java applications. Rich in features, Eclipse facilitates code editing, debugging, and project management, making it immensely popular among developers. Its extensible architecture allows for the integration of third-party plugins, accommodating various programming needs and workflows.
-=== Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) ===
-Java EE is a widely used platform that provides an extensive set of APIs and services for building large-scale, distributed enterprise applications. Many enterprise software solutions, from banking systems to customer relationship management platforms, leverage Java EE's capabilities to meet complex business requirements. The modular structure and reusable components make it possible for organizations to develop reliable and secure applications that can scale with their growth.
-== Criticism ==
-Despite its popularity and widespread usage, Java has not been without criticism and limitations. This section addresses some of the prominent critiques leveled against Java.
+=== Financial Services ===
-=== Performance Concerns ===
+The financial sector heavily utilizes Java for building and maintaining their applications due to its stability, security features, and performance. Application servers handling online banking transactions, trading platforms, and risk analysis systems leverage Java’s capabilities to manage large volumes of transactions efficiently. For instance, many major banks and stock trading platforms use Java to facilitate millions of transactions per minute, underpinned by its robust ecosystem.
-One of the criticisms often directed towards Java is its performance relative to natively compiled languages such as C or C++. Java's reliance on a virtual machine introduces an additional layer of abstraction, which can result in slower execution times for certain applications. Although improvements have been made with Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation and other optimizations, some developers argue that for performance-critical applications, other languages may be more suitable.
+=== E-commerce Platforms ===
-=== Verbosity of Code ===
+Java is also the backbone of numerous e-commerce platforms, providing the necessary infrastructure to support complex functionalities such as payment processing, inventory management, and customer relationship management (CRM). Large-scale platforms like eBay and Amazon leverage Java’s set of capabilities alongside frameworks like Spring to provide a seamless shopping experience to millions of users.
-Java is often described as a verbose language, where the syntax and structure can lead to longer lines of code compared to other programming languages like Python or Ruby. The requirement for boilerplate code, especially in object-oriented programming, can make Java applications appear more complex than necessary. This verbosity can slow down development, particularly for smaller-scale projects or prototyping.
+=== Scientific Research ===
-=== Memory Consumption ===
+In scientific research, Java has made its imprint by powering simulation software, data analysis tools, and large-scale data processing frameworks. Libraries such as Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark are written in Java and allow researchers to perform extensive data analysis, harnessing the parallel processing capabilities inherent within the language.
-Java applications can be memory-intensive due to their runtime environment and garbage collection mechanisms. The overhead of the JVM along with the consumption associated with object-oriented practices may lead to higher memory usage compared to applications written in lower-level languages. This can be a concern in resource-constrained environments, such as mobile devices or IoT applications.
+== Criticism and Limitations ==
-=== Fragmentation and Library Compatibility ===
+Despite its many strengths, Java has faced criticism from certain segments of the developer community. Some criticisms focus on its performance, which, while generally good, can be slower than native languages like C or C++. The additional abstraction layers introduced by the JVM may result in latency in execution compared to languages that compile directly to machine code.
-The plethora of libraries and frameworks available in the Java ecosystem can also lead to issues with fragmentation and compatibility. As new libraries emerge and existing ones evolve, developers may encounter challenges relating to versioning, dependencies, and ensuring that different components work seamlessly together. This can complicate the development process and lead to additional maintenance overhead.
+Additionally, the verbosity of Java can be viewed as a hindrance, especially when compared to more concise languages such as Python or Kotlin. Developers often find themselves writing more code in Java to accomplish similar tasks that can be completed with less code in other languages.
-=== Licensing Issues ===
+Moreover, Java's memory consumption is another point of concern; applications written in Java can demand a larger amount of memory than those written in other programming languages. This can pose challenges in environments with strict memory constraints, such as mobile devices or embedded systems.
-Changes to Java's licensing and release model, particularly after Oracle's acquisition of Sun Microsystems, have raised concerns among developers and organizations. The implementation of a subscription-based model for Oracle JDK has prompted discussions around the accessibility and availability of Java as a development platform. This has led to increased interest in alternative distributions and open-source implementations of Java, such as OpenJDK and AdoptOpenJDK.
+Lastly, since Oracle gained stewardship of Java, there have been community concerns over open-source licensing and the direction of Java's development. The introduction of a time-based release model has resulted in a need for developers to frequently update their skills to keep pace with new features and changes.
 == See also ==
@@ Line 139: / Line 78: @@
 * [[Java Development Kit]]
 * [[Java Runtime Environment]]
-* [[Java Virtual Machine]]
 * [[Java EE]]
-* [[Spring Framework]]
+* [[Java SE]]
-* [[Apache Hadoop]]
 * [[Android (operating system)]]
-* [[List of Java frameworks]]
+* [[Software development]]
+* [[List of Java-based web frameworks]]
+* [[Java Community Process]]
 == References ==
-* [https://www.oracle.com/java/ Oracle Java Official Site]
+* [https://www.oracle.com/java/ Oracle Java Official Website]
-* [https://openjdk.java.net/ OpenJDK Official Site]
+* [https://openjdk.java.net/ OpenJDK Official Website]
-* [https://spring.io/ Spring Framework Official Site]
+* [https://www.javacodegeeks.com/ Java Code Geeks Website]
-* [https://hadoop.apache.org/ Apache Hadoop Official Site]
+* [https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase/overview.html Java SE Overview]
-* [https://www.eclipse.org/ Eclipse IDE Official Site]
+* [https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/java-jdk8-downloads.html Java JDK 8 Downloads]
+* [https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase/jdk11-archive-downloads.html Java SE 11 Archive Downloads]
 [[Category:Programming languages]]
-[[Category:Object-oriented programming languages]]
+[[Category:Software]]
-[[Category:High-level programming languages]]
+[[Category:Computer science]]