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📚 Java Basics•📖 10 min read•beginner

Introduction to Java - History, Features & Usage

Get started with Java programming. Learn about Java history, key features, JDK, JRE, JVM, and why Java is one of the most popular languages.

Last updated: 11 January 2026

What is Java?

Java is one of the world's most popular programming languages, released in 1995 by Sun Microsystems (now owned by Oracle). It is:

  • Object-Oriented: Everything is an object.
  • Platform Independent: Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA).
  • Secure: Designed with security in mind.
  • Robust: Strong memory management and exception handling.

Why Learn Java?

  • High Demand: Used by millions of developers and huge companies like Google, Amazon, and Netflix.
  • Android Development: Native Android apps are built with Java.
  • Enterprise Applications: The backbone of banking and financial systems.
  • Great Community: Vast resources, libraries, and frameworks available.

    • How Java Works

  • Source Code (.java): You write readable code.
  • Compiler (javac): Translates source code into Bytecode (.class).
  • JVM: The Java Virtual Machine executes the bytecode on any OS.

    • JDK vs JRE vs JVM

    • JVM (Java Virtual Machine): Executes Java programs.
    • JRE (Java Runtime Environment): JVM + Libraries. Required to run Java.
    • JDK (Java Development Kit): JRE + Compilers + Tools. Required to write Java.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Java?

    Java is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible.

    What is "Write Once, Run Anywhere"?

    This is Java's slogan, meaning compiled Java code (bytecode) can run on all platforms that support Java without the need for recompilation.