Java Programming Language

Java is a class-based, object-oriented programming language. It is widely used for developing various types of applications, ranging from simple desktop utilities to complex enterprise-level systems.

Java is available for most operating systems (Write once run anywhere).

Applications of Java with Real-world Examples

• Applications for Mobiles.
• Desktop GUI Applications.
• Web Applications.
• Gaming Applications.
• Enterprise Applications.
• Security.
• Scientific Applications.
• Embedded Systems.
• Big Data Technologies.
• Distributed Applications.
• Cloud-based Applications.
• Web servers and Application servers.
• Software Tools.

Why do we need to learn programming languages?

There are many reasons why learning a programming language like Java can be valuable, even if you don’t plan to become a professional programmer. Here are just a few:

• Directly shape the digital landscape: Java is used to build countless websites and mobile apps, from your favorite social media platforms to online banking tools. Learning Java empowers you to be more than just a user; you can become a creator, shaping the digital experiences of others.
• Boosts problem-solving and critical thinking: Programming helps you develop logical thinking skills and the ability to break down complex problems into smaller, solvable steps. This translates well to other areas of life, from tackling schoolwork to making everyday decisions.
• Opens career doors: While not essential for every job, programming skills are increasingly sought-after across various industries. Even basic knowledge can give you an edge in many fields, from marketing and finance to data science and education.
• It’s simply fun and rewarding! There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing your code come to life and create something functional or even beautiful. The learning process itself can be challenging and rewarding, fostering a sense of accomplishment and growth.

We also need to know how to communicate with computers, and to do so we have something called binary system which represents data and instructions using only two symbols: 0 and 1. This system is the foundation of digital computing because electronic devices, such as computers and microprocessors, interpret and process information in binary format.

As a programmer, you write source code to implement specific functions, such as generating text. This source code is written using a specific syntax. For example, in Java, you might write System.out.print(“Java”). This line of code is understandable to humans and is considered a high-level language representation.

However, before the machine can understand and execute this code, it must undergo several steps to translate it into a form it can process. Firstly, the code is passed through a Java compiler (javac), which checks the syntax and transforms the source code into bytecode. Bytecode is a low-level representation of the code that is platform-independent and can be executed by any system with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Next, the bytecode is interpreted by the JVM, which acts as an interpreter. The JVM translates the bytecode into machine code instructions that the underlying operating system can understand and execute. This process allows Java programs to run on various operating systems without modification, making it a key feature of the Java language.

The Java Programming Language Platforms

• Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE)
  – Desktop applications.
• Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE)
  – Web applications, Server applications.
• Java Platform, Micro Edition (Java ME)
  – Mobile applications, Gaming applications.
• Java FX
  – Platform for desktop, mobile and embedded systems. Built on Java and fully featured toolkit for developing rich client applications.