Java: Difference between revisions
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'''Java''' is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. | '''Java''' is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. Originally developed by Sun Microsystems in the mid-1990s, Java has become one of the most widely used programming languages. It encompasses a wide array of computing platforms, from embedded devices and mobile phones to enterprise servers and supercomputers. One of Javaβs core philosophies is that code written in this language should be able to run on any platform without needing recompilation, a principle encapsulated in the slogan "Write Once, Run Anywhere" (WORA). Java is utilized in a myriad of applications including web development, mobile applications (particularly Android apps), and large-scale enterprise systems. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
=== Origins === | === Origins and Development === | ||
The | The roots of Java can be traced back to 1991 when a group of Sun Microsystems engineers, guided by James Gosling, began developing a programming language called Oak. Primarily intended for interactive television, Oak was eventually renamed to Java in 1995. This name change was reflective of the motivation behind the language, which aimed to encapsulate a sense of vitality and innovation, akin to Java coffee. | ||
Java was officially released in 1995 alongside the release of the first version of the Java Development Kit (JDK 1.0) and introduced the revolutionary concept of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This allowed Java programs to run on various hardware without needing to rewrite them. The languageβs design virtues such as simplicity, object-orientedness, and robustness made it highly acclaimed in both academic and professional circles. Β | |||
=== | === Java in the Late 1990s === | ||
By the late 1990s, Java had gained a significant foothold in the programming community, facilitated by the rise of the Internet. During this time, the Java language expanded to include features such as the Java 2 Platform, which introduced a more comprehensive API and the concept of Swing for graphical user interface development. With Java 2, Sun Microsystems also divided the platform into different editions suitable for different environments: the Standard Edition (Java SE), Enterprise Edition (Java EE), and Micro Edition (Java ME). | |||
=== The Rise of Open Source === | |||
In 1999, Java opened its doors to the open-source community with the establishment of the Java Community Process (JCP). This development allowed developers worldwide to contribute to the continued evolution of Java, thus promoting a collaborative approach to improvements and innovations. | |||
Following the acquisition of Sun Microsystems by Oracle Corporation in 2010, Java maintained its status as a core pillar of enterprise computing and continued evolving with ongoing version updates. Oracle's stewardship has, however, attracted criticisms regarding licensing and the direction of the platform. | |||
=== | == Architecture == | ||
=== | === Java Platform Overview === | ||
Java is | The Java platform is divided into several components, each of which plays a crucial role in the language's operation and its extensive application in modern computing environments. The architecture consists primarily of the Java Language, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and the Java Application Programming Interface (API). | ||
=== | === Java Virtual Machine (JVM) === | ||
Java features | The Java Virtual Machine is a highly powerful engine that enables Java bytecode to be executed anywhere, regardless of the underlying hardware architecture. JVM acts as an intermediary layer between Java applications and the hardware, which ensures that the developer focuses on writing logical code while the JVM handles the specifics of the hardware. The JVM enables features such as garbage collection, which manages memory by automatically clearing unused objects, thus improving performance and efficiency. | ||
=== | === Java Runtime Environment (JRE) === | ||
Java | The Java Runtime Environment contains the necessary libraries and components to run Java applications on a device. It includes a set of tools for developing and monitoring Java applications, as well as the JVM, but does not contain development tools like the compiler. While JVM provides the runtime engine, the JRE provides the resources needed for executing Java applications. | ||
Β | |||
Β | |||
=== Java Development Kit (JDK) === | === Java Development Kit (JDK) === | ||
The Java Development Kit | The Java Development Kit is a core component intended for software developers to write, compile, and debug their Java applications. It includes the Java Compiler, which translates Java code into bytecode, as well as various tools to help with Java development, such as the Java Debugger. The JDK is essential for developing Java apps, whether for desktop environments, servers, or mobile devices. | ||
Β | |||
The | |||
Β | |||
Β | |||
== Implementation == | == Implementation == | ||
=== | === Java Standard Edition (Java SE) === | ||
Java is | Java Standard Edition is the core of the Java programming language and provides the fundamental classes and APIs. It encompasses essential libraries for general software development, such as the collections framework, networking, input/output operations, and graphical user interface capabilities through the Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) and Swing libraries. | ||
=== Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE) === | |||
Java Enterprise Edition provides a robust framework for developing large-scale enterprise-level applications. Featuring support for distributed systems, Java EE includes various APIs for handling transactions, messaging, persistence, and web applications. Key features include Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB), Contexts and Dependency Injection (CDI), and JavaServer Faces (JSF), which facilitate the development of complex web applications. | |||
=== | === Java Micro Edition (Java ME) === | ||
Java | Java Micro Edition is tailored specifically for resource-constrained embedded systems and mobile devices. By providing a subset of the Java SE features, Java ME makes it possible to develop applications for mobile phones, personal digital assistants, and other small devices. The platform is characterized by its ability to operate with less memory, processing power, and battery life while still maintaining a significant Java experience. | ||
Java | === JavaFX === | ||
JavaFX is an advanced platform for creating rich internet applications that enhance user experience through features like animations, 2D and 3D graphics, and media playback. Through its integration with existing Java technologies, JavaFX aims to provide a seamless development environment for building modern UI applications that operate across several devices. | |||
=== | == Applications == | ||
=== Web Development === | |||
Β | Java's versatility lends itself well to web application development. Technologies such as JavaServer Pages (JSP), Servlets, and the Spring framework allow developers to build robust server-side applications. Java-enabled web servers can deliver dynamic content and execute complex business logic, making it a popular choice for enterprise applications. | ||
=== | |||
Β | |||
Β | |||
Β | |||
=== Mobile Applications === | |||
Another prominent use of Java is in the development of mobile applications, primarily on the Android platform. The Android operating system, which is based on a modified version of the Java language, allows developers to create rich, interactive apps that scale across various device types. With Android Studio as the primary Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Java remains one of the dominant programming languages in mobile app development. | |||
=== Enterprise Software === | |||
Java is heavily employed in the development of enterprise-level applications due to its robust architecture and scalability. Many large organizations leverage Java EE to build complex systems that require reliability, transaction support, and security. The platform's extensive libraries and frameworks, such as Hibernate for object-relational mapping and Spring for dependency injection, make it a go-to choice for building enterprise software. | |||
=== | === Scientific Applications === | ||
Java's cross-platform capabilities and ease of integration make it an excellent choice for scientific computing applications. The language is often utilized in bioinformatics, computational biology, and simulations. Libraries like Apache Commons Math and JScience allow for sophisticated mathematical modeling and computations. Β | |||
=== Internet of Things (IoT) === | |||
In recent years, Java has emerged as a favored programming language for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It provides the flexibility to build applications that run on embedded systems and communicate with numerous devices and sensors. Java ME and Java SE Embedded are specialized editions tailored for the needs of IoT development, representing the language's adaptability to evolving technological needs. | |||
== Criticism | == Criticism == | ||
=== Performance Concerns === | === Performance Concerns === | ||
While Java | While Java's platform independence is a significant advantage, it often faces criticism regarding performance and memory consumption compared to native programming languages like C or C++. The garbage collection mechanism, while beneficial for memory management, may introduce latency, particularly in real-time systems where performance is critical. | ||
=== | === Complexity and Verbosity === | ||
The language's design has been critiqued for its verbosity and complexity, particularly concerning the use of boilerplate code. Many developers argue that the extensive use of annotations, interfaces, and design patterns can obscure understanding and make code harder to read and maintain. | |||
=== | === Licensing Issues === | ||
Java's | Following Oracle's acquisition of Sun Microsystems, various controversies have arisen regarding Java's licensing model. Developers and organizations have raised concerns over the implications of the licensing changes for open-source projects and the increase in restrictions around the use of the Java Development Kit. | ||
=== | === Compatibility and Fragmentation === | ||
Over the years, numerous versions of Java have been released, which sometimes leads to compatibility issues across different platforms. The fragmentation concerning versions (notably between Java SE and Java EE) can create difficulties for developers when maintaining and upgrading applications. | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Java programming language]] | * [[Java (programming language)]] | ||
* [[Java Virtual Machine]] | * [[Java Virtual Machine]] | ||
* [[ | * [[JavaScript]] | ||
* [[Android (operating system)]] | * [[Android (operating system)]] | ||
* [[Java EE]] | |||
* [[JavaFX]] | |||
* [[Java ME]] | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
* [https://www.oracle.com/java/ Java | * [https://www.oracle.com/java/ Oracle Java Home] | ||
* [https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-downloads.html Java SE Downloads] | * [https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-downloads.html Java SE Downloads] | ||
* [https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase/ | * [https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/java-ee-glance.html Java EE Overview] | ||
* [https://openjdk.java.net/ OpenJDK Community] | |||
* [https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase/jdk10-archive-downloads.html JDK Archive Downloads] | |||
[[Category:Java (programming language)]] | |||
[[Category:Programming languages]] | [[Category:Programming languages]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Computer science]] | ||
Revision as of 17:35, 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. Originally developed by Sun Microsystems in the mid-1990s, Java has become one of the most widely used programming languages. It encompasses a wide array of computing platforms, from embedded devices and mobile phones to enterprise servers and supercomputers. One of Javaβs core philosophies is that code written in this language should be able to run on any platform without needing recompilation, a principle encapsulated in the slogan "Write Once, Run Anywhere" (WORA). Java is utilized in a myriad of applications including web development, mobile applications (particularly Android apps), and large-scale enterprise systems.
History
Origins and Development
The roots of Java can be traced back to 1991 when a group of Sun Microsystems engineers, guided by James Gosling, began developing a programming language called Oak. Primarily intended for interactive television, Oak was eventually renamed to Java in 1995. This name change was reflective of the motivation behind the language, which aimed to encapsulate a sense of vitality and innovation, akin to Java coffee.
Java was officially released in 1995 alongside the release of the first version of the Java Development Kit (JDK 1.0) and introduced the revolutionary concept of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This allowed Java programs to run on various hardware without needing to rewrite them. The languageβs design virtues such as simplicity, object-orientedness, and robustness made it highly acclaimed in both academic and professional circles.
Java in the Late 1990s
By the late 1990s, Java had gained a significant foothold in the programming community, facilitated by the rise of the Internet. During this time, the Java language expanded to include features such as the Java 2 Platform, which introduced a more comprehensive API and the concept of Swing for graphical user interface development. With Java 2, Sun Microsystems also divided the platform into different editions suitable for different environments: the Standard Edition (Java SE), Enterprise Edition (Java EE), and Micro Edition (Java ME).
The Rise of Open Source
In 1999, Java opened its doors to the open-source community with the establishment of the Java Community Process (JCP). This development allowed developers worldwide to contribute to the continued evolution of Java, thus promoting a collaborative approach to improvements and innovations.
Following the acquisition of Sun Microsystems by Oracle Corporation in 2010, Java maintained its status as a core pillar of enterprise computing and continued evolving with ongoing version updates. Oracle's stewardship has, however, attracted criticisms regarding licensing and the direction of the platform.
Architecture
Java Platform Overview
The Java platform is divided into several components, each of which plays a crucial role in the language's operation and its extensive application in modern computing environments. The architecture consists primarily of the Java Language, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and the Java Application Programming Interface (API).
Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
The Java Virtual Machine is a highly powerful engine that enables Java bytecode to be executed anywhere, regardless of the underlying hardware architecture. JVM acts as an intermediary layer between Java applications and the hardware, which ensures that the developer focuses on writing logical code while the JVM handles the specifics of the hardware. The JVM enables features such as garbage collection, which manages memory by automatically clearing unused objects, thus improving performance and efficiency.
Java Runtime Environment (JRE)
The Java Runtime Environment contains the necessary libraries and components to run Java applications on a device. It includes a set of tools for developing and monitoring Java applications, as well as the JVM, but does not contain development tools like the compiler. While JVM provides the runtime engine, the JRE provides the resources needed for executing Java applications.
Java Development Kit (JDK)
The Java Development Kit is a core component intended for software developers to write, compile, and debug their Java applications. It includes the Java Compiler, which translates Java code into bytecode, as well as various tools to help with Java development, such as the Java Debugger. The JDK is essential for developing Java apps, whether for desktop environments, servers, or mobile devices.
Implementation
Java Standard Edition (Java SE)
Java Standard Edition is the core of the Java programming language and provides the fundamental classes and APIs. It encompasses essential libraries for general software development, such as the collections framework, networking, input/output operations, and graphical user interface capabilities through the Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) and Swing libraries.
Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE)
Java Enterprise Edition provides a robust framework for developing large-scale enterprise-level applications. Featuring support for distributed systems, Java EE includes various APIs for handling transactions, messaging, persistence, and web applications. Key features include Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB), Contexts and Dependency Injection (CDI), and JavaServer Faces (JSF), which facilitate the development of complex web applications.
Java Micro Edition (Java ME)
Java Micro Edition is tailored specifically for resource-constrained embedded systems and mobile devices. By providing a subset of the Java SE features, Java ME makes it possible to develop applications for mobile phones, personal digital assistants, and other small devices. The platform is characterized by its ability to operate with less memory, processing power, and battery life while still maintaining a significant Java experience.
JavaFX
JavaFX is an advanced platform for creating rich internet applications that enhance user experience through features like animations, 2D and 3D graphics, and media playback. Through its integration with existing Java technologies, JavaFX aims to provide a seamless development environment for building modern UI applications that operate across several devices.
Applications
Web Development
Java's versatility lends itself well to web application development. Technologies such as JavaServer Pages (JSP), Servlets, and the Spring framework allow developers to build robust server-side applications. Java-enabled web servers can deliver dynamic content and execute complex business logic, making it a popular choice for enterprise applications.
Mobile Applications
Another prominent use of Java is in the development of mobile applications, primarily on the Android platform. The Android operating system, which is based on a modified version of the Java language, allows developers to create rich, interactive apps that scale across various device types. With Android Studio as the primary Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Java remains one of the dominant programming languages in mobile app development.
Enterprise Software
Java is heavily employed in the development of enterprise-level applications due to its robust architecture and scalability. Many large organizations leverage Java EE to build complex systems that require reliability, transaction support, and security. The platform's extensive libraries and frameworks, such as Hibernate for object-relational mapping and Spring for dependency injection, make it a go-to choice for building enterprise software.
Scientific Applications
Java's cross-platform capabilities and ease of integration make it an excellent choice for scientific computing applications. The language is often utilized in bioinformatics, computational biology, and simulations. Libraries like Apache Commons Math and JScience allow for sophisticated mathematical modeling and computations.
Internet of Things (IoT)
In recent years, Java has emerged as a favored programming language for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It provides the flexibility to build applications that run on embedded systems and communicate with numerous devices and sensors. Java ME and Java SE Embedded are specialized editions tailored for the needs of IoT development, representing the language's adaptability to evolving technological needs.
Criticism
Performance Concerns
While Java's platform independence is a significant advantage, it often faces criticism regarding performance and memory consumption compared to native programming languages like C or C++. The garbage collection mechanism, while beneficial for memory management, may introduce latency, particularly in real-time systems where performance is critical.
Complexity and Verbosity
The language's design has been critiqued for its verbosity and complexity, particularly concerning the use of boilerplate code. Many developers argue that the extensive use of annotations, interfaces, and design patterns can obscure understanding and make code harder to read and maintain.
Licensing Issues
Following Oracle's acquisition of Sun Microsystems, various controversies have arisen regarding Java's licensing model. Developers and organizations have raised concerns over the implications of the licensing changes for open-source projects and the increase in restrictions around the use of the Java Development Kit.
Compatibility and Fragmentation
Over the years, numerous versions of Java have been released, which sometimes leads to compatibility issues across different platforms. The fragmentation concerning versions (notably between Java SE and Java EE) can create difficulties for developers when maintaining and upgrading applications.
See also
- Java (programming language)
- Java Virtual Machine
- JavaScript
- Android (operating system)
- Java EE
- JavaFX
- Java ME