Java has been around since the 90’s. Most of us have heard of it, but what’s it all about? If you’re a newbie to the web, a bit curious, or if you’re considering a job in java or taking your next step in your java development career, here’s my brief look at the world of Java
What is Java?
Java is a programming language and computing platform originally developed by a very clever chap called James Gosling of Sun Microsystems, (now Oracle Corporation) and released in 1995. Java can draw many of its roots from the old school programming languages C and C++ and took programming to the ‘next level’ by offering a simpler ‘object model’.
Java…AKA
Java is also known as ‘high level’ language and can also be describes as Architecture neutral, Object oriented, Portable, Multithreaded and Dynamic.
‘WORA’ load of jargon
The purpose of Java was intended to let application developers “write once, run anywhere”, (WORA) meaning that the code they develop for one platform does not need to be re-designed or re-coded to work on another. Due to its simplicity Java is one of the most popular programming languages in use, particularly for client-server web applications, with over 10 million users.
Java, Java Everywhere and not an App to spare
Java has been put to many uses and it is the ‘background’ technology that powers a huge array of programs including utilities and business applications and right across the hugely popular online gaming and video games industries. Java runs on more than a billion PCs worldwide, and on many billions of devices including mobile phones, games consoles, Blu-Ray devices and even you local lottery machine. And of course with its huge popularity across the World Wide Web it’s true to say that Java is everywhere.
Java – The Main Bits
Java is different to many other platforms out there because it is known as a ‘software only platform’ meaning that it is designed to run on top of ‘other’ hardware without needing it’s own specialist hardware platform, (unlike say, Apple’s iOS which needs to run on Apple Hardware)
Java consists of 2 main components:
Java Application programming interface (Java API) – This bit is composed of a large collection of ready-made software components which provide useful tools / widgets to the developer which are organised into packages or libraries of related classes and interfaces.
Java Virtual Machine (Java VM) – This bit compiles and translates your Java ‘scripts’ into Java ‘bytecodes’ essentially translating orders into machine code instructions. The Java VM is implemented into most web browsers which is why it is a favourite for web applications.
Fast Facts about Java
1.1 billion desktops run Java
3 billion mobile phones run Java
Over 900 million Java Runtime Environment downloads each year
31 x more Java enabled phones ship every year than Apple and Android devices combined
100% of all Blu-ray players run Java
Over 900 million Java Runtime Environment downloads each year
Java powers set-top boxes, printers, Web cams, games, car navigation systems, lottery terminals, medical devices, parking payment stations, and more.
Source www.java.com
Java as a Career?
I think it’s fair to say that Java is here to stay. Such is the popularity of this language; its ease of use and the sheer number of possible applications it can be used for java development jobs are readily available. Organisations around the world ranging from global telecommunications giants to niche technology consultancies are constantly advertising for java jobs so if you’re thinking about a career in java then you should have plenty of choices.
So there you go. That’s my brief guide to the world of Java. It’s something most of us have heard about but never really noticed. But if you’re sitting here reading this, I’m betting you’re less than 2 feet away from a bit Java right now!
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