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What is Java

If you've ever been interested in coding or have explored the world of technology, you've probably heard of Java. But what exactly is Java? Let's break it down.

Java 101​

Java is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to be as executable as possible across multiple application environments. This means that once a Java code is written, it can run on any platform that supports Java without needing to be recompiled.

One of the most significant aspects of Java is its 'Write Once, Run Anywhere' (WORA) philosophy. This principle is one of the reasons Java is a popular choice for enterprises, and web and mobile application development.

Origins of Java​

Java was developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems (which is now owned by Oracle Corporation) and released in 1995. It was initially designed for interactive television, but it was too advanced for the digital cable television industry at the time.

The language was initially called Oak after an oak tree that stood outside Gosling's office. Later, the project went by the name Green and was finally renamed Java, from Java coffee.

Features of Java​

Java offers a multitude of features that make it a powerful programming language. Some of the key features include:

  1. Simple: Java has a syntax based on C++, but with a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities.

  2. Object-Oriented: In Java, everything is an Object which possesses fields and methods.

  3. Platform Independent: Unlike many other programming languages including C and C++, when Java is compiled, it is not compiled into platform-specific machine, rather into platform-independent byte code.

  4. Secure: Java is secure because it supports the runtime environment. Java does not use an explicit pointer and run the programs inside the sandbox to prevent any activities from untrusted sources.

  5. Robust: Java makes an effort to eliminate error-prone codes by emphasizing mainly on compile time error checking and runtime checking.

Understanding Java Syntax​

The syntax of Java refers to the set of rules defining how a Java program is written and interpreted.

The syntax is mostly derived from C and C++. Unlike those languages, which use curly braces to define blocks of code, in Java blocks are defined by the keywords class, method, and scope constructs.

Let's look at a basic example of Java code:

public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!"); 
    }
}

In the above example, HelloWorld is a class. The main method is the entry point of any Java code. System.out.println is used to print statements to the console.

Conclusion​

Java is a versatile, efficient, and popular programming language. Its 'Write Once, Run Anywhere' philosophy makes it a great choice for developers. Its object-oriented nature allows programmers to create modular programs and reusable code. Its vast number of libraries makes it suitable for many kinds of applications, from small web apps to large enterprise applications. This brief introduction has scratched the surface of what Java is and why it's so widely used, but there's still much more to learn and explore.