In this section we will introduce Java to the beginners. We will discuss about what is Java, how it is used, its features, its purpose and about Java tools.
In this section we will introduce Java to the beginners. We will discuss about what is Java, how it is used, its features, its purpose and about Java tools.
Java is an object oriented programming language that was developed by Sun Microsystem and has been made open source since then. Hence the language keeps on expanding every day. It is being used by companies in developing softwares, applications for both desktop and smartphones, programs that can help in various business, etc.
What is Java?
Java is an object oriented language like C, C++. It is considered as an advanced version of the C, C++, with some new features, simplicity and addition of features like garbage collection, java class library, APIs and others. It is a simple, secure, robust and portable language.
The program written in Java is first compiled in byte code by Java compiler then it is read by JVM (Java Virtual Machine) which converts it into machine readable code. It is this functionality of changing the program into byte code that makes Java platform independent.
Java Features:
- In Java, programming is case sensitive. The uppercase and lowercase letters means different in Java and hence should be carefully used.
- Java has the feature of Write-once-run-anywhere
- Most of the web browsers support Java
- Java works on distributed computing
- It supports multi-threading
- Java is secure
- Java is robust-Java compilers check program for any errors and helps prevent any future crashes.
Java Tools:
Java Compiler- is a set of programs that converts java source code into byte code, which is then read by JVM. The output of Java compiler file has a ?.class? extension. The file name must be the same as class name.
Java Interpreter- is the reason why Java is platform independent. It reads the bytecode converted by java compiler and then converts it into a code that is read by the concerned operating system.
Java interpreter is a software that implements the Java virtual machine and runs Java applications. When a Java interpreter is installed on any platform that means it is JVM (Java virtual machine) enabled platform.
Java Debugger- denoted as jdb is used or find and then rectify any debugs found in Java.
JavaDoc - is used to generate API documentation into HTML format from Java source code.
Java API- Java Application Programming Interface is a wide collection of Java classes which are used by programmer in writing an application or program.
