What is Java Programming Language ?

Java is one of the popular programming languages ​​used to develop mobile applications, desktops, and websites. Some of the world’s major websites, such as Yahoo!, LinkedIn , and Spotify , have also used Java to develop their websites.

One of the reasons Java is so popular is its flexibility to be used across multiple platforms. No wonder about 12 million developers use Java for application development.

Curious as to what the Java programming language is? In this article, you will learn what Java is, its uses, benefits, and examples of the Java framework. Immediately, let’s get to know Java through the following explanation!

What is Java?

Java is a programming language commonly used to develop back-end parts of software, Android applications, and websites.

Java is also known to have the motto “Write Once, Run Anywhere”. This means that Java can be run on various platforms without needing to be rearranged according to the platform. For example, it runs on Android, Linux, Windows and more.

This can happen because Java has a high-level syntax or programming code system. Where when executed, the syntax will be compiled with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) into a numeric code (bytescode) platform. So that Java applications can be run on various devices.

Thanks to its flexibility, Java is running on 13 billion devices. Some mobile applications that have used Java are Twitter, Netflix, and Spotify.

A Brief History of the Java Programming Language

Java programming language first emerged from a project “The Green Project” at Sun Microsystems, a software company in America.

The project was led by James Gosling , Patrick Naughton , Mike Sheridan , and Bill Joy . Initially, the project aimed to create a smart device. However, because they were not satisfied with the results of the C++ and C programming languages, they decided to create their own more sophisticated programming language.

After 18 months of the project, James Gosling finally succeeded in creating a new programming language called Oak.

Unfortunately, the name Oak has been used by the company Oak Technology. So, in 1995 Oak was changed to Java which was reportedly inspired by Javanese coffee. Therefore, the Java programming language logo is a cup of coffee.

The following is a timeline of Java’s journey from the beginning to the present:

Year	Version	Java Development
1991-1994	–	First created under the name Oak.
1995	–	Oak’s name was changed to Java.
1996	Java Kit 1.0	The Java operating system is launched.
1997-2000	Java Kit 1.1Java Kit 1.2 Java Kit 1.3	The Java Community Process (JCP) was formed to create a development mechanism from outside parties.
2001-2004	J2SE 1.4, J2SE 5.0	The Java.com website was released so that users can download and run Java applications on desktops and laptops.
2005	10 years of Java, Java has been used by 4.5 million developers and 2.5 billion devices.
2006-2008	Java SE 6	– Java is available in an open source version under the GNU (General Public License). – The first time the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) was launched.
2009-2011	Java SE 7	Oracle acquires Sun. Oracle launches Java Magazine for technical publications for developers.
2012-2014	Java SE 8	Java 8 publications translated in 8 world languages
2015	– Java is the number one programming language platform in the world. – Has run on 13 billion devices.
2016	–	Java Magazine has 250,000 subscribers and runs on more than 15 billion devices.
2017	Java SE 9	There are 38 million JVMs in active use.
2018	Java SE 10 Java SE 11	The latest features include an HTTP client for websites.
2019-2020	Java SE 12 – 15	Java has been used in various mobile applications, such as Spotify, Siemens, NASA Open Code Project, Minecraft, etc.

Java Functions

The Java programming language has several functions in making applications as follows.

1. The language used is simple

When compared to other programming languages, Java can be said to be simpler than the others. This is because Java uses a syntax similar to C++.

2. Focus only on Object

The Java programming language only focuses on Objects. By focusing only on objects, computer programs can communicate with each other in a group of objects.

3. Sufficiently tight security

There are three layers of security in Java. This security is of course done to protect the system from misuse by irresponsible people.

4. Can be used on any operating system

As explained in point 1 if Java can run on computers that use any operating system. This can be done because the Java language includes Platform Independence. When a file is created, it can be run on any device.

5. Using the exception-handling system

This exception-handling provides a way to separate the error-preserving part from the normal part of the code. That way the code is led to a much cleaner program code structure. If an error is found, then Java will throw an exception. These exceptions can be caught and managed by the program without causing further harm.

6. Support Native method

Java supports native methods or functions written in other languages, especially C and C++. With native support for this method, it allows programmers to write various functions that can be done quickly when compared to other functions.

7. There is a Garbage Collector

The function of the garbage collector is able to collect “garbage” automatically. With the garbage collector, the programmer does not need to be burdened with damaged memory.

8. Complete library list

The Java programming language has a fairly complete list of libraries. With this programmer can make an application in accordance with what is desired.

9. There is a GUI feature

GUI or short for Graphical User Interface is one of the features in Java.

10. Enhancement of C++

For those of you programmers who are familiar with the C++ programming language, you don’t need to worry about the Java programming language. Because in Java the style has been adapted to C++. Even with the Java programming language, you can extend the code as much as you want compared to through C++.

5+ Advantages of Java you need to Know!

The following are the advantages of using the Java programming language:

1. Creating a Flexible Application

The main advantage of Java is that it can run on various platforms or operating systems. This is in line with their slogan, namely “Write Once, Run Anywhere”. This means that with just one Java file creation, the program can be run on multiple platforms without the need for changes.

For example, you create a Java application on the Linux operating system. Programs can also run on other operating systems, such as Windows and Mac.

Java has a compiler or some kind of virtual machine that is able to translate Java syntax to the bytecodes of each platform. That’s why Java can run on multiple platforms.

2. Have a Complete Library

Java is known to have a complete library. A library in a programming language is a set of functions and programs that can be directly used for making applications.

The existence of this library is also inseparable from the existence of a large Java community. So many create new libraries to complement the needs of Java developers. With this library, you can create Java-based applications more easily.

3. Object Oriented

Object-oriented programming is a programming that manages application design based on objects. Objects here are defined as data fields that have attributes and behaviors.

For example in real life, an object in the form of a bicycle has attributes (tyres, pedals, handlebars) and behavior (speeding, braking).

Well, in Java, all data or functions are defined into several classes that can be related to each other. These functions can receive messages, process data, and send messages to other objects.

Programming code with this method makes the program structure more concise and can be reused to create complex and actively updated applications. So, the development process can be faster and better developed.

4. Similar to C++ Language

Java is indeed a development of the C and C++ languages. C++ programming language is quite good, but not as flexible as Java. Meanwhile, Java can be made more simple and flexible.

Well, if you’ve studied or are familiar with C++, you certainly won’t have much trouble learning the Java programming language.

5. Writing Simpler Coding

Compared to other programming languages, Java has a coding structure that is more concise and simple. Here’s the comparison:

Sample Javascript Code: 

Java Code Example: 

From the example script above, you can write faster, right? Even with a fairly complete library, you can add functions more easily.

6. Support Native Method

The benefits of Java that you can feel for application development is that it supports native methods. This means that any of your Java program functions can be written in a language other than Java, such as C or C++.

With native method support, you can reach hardware or resources (servers) that are only accessible by other programming languages. So you can create more feature-rich apps.

3 Disadvantages of Using Java

Apart from the advantages mentioned above, there are some disadvantages of Java. Here’s the description:

1. Requires a lot of memory

Java does have many modules and features that make it easier for developers to develop applications. Unfortunately, Java-based programs take up quite a lot of memory.

That’s because the JVM requires data for garbage collection, class generation, compiler, and more. All these processes are able to make Java applications safe and work smoothly. However, devices running Java applications tend to run out of RAM quite a lot.

2. Easy to Decompile

One of Java’s drawbacks is that it is easy to decompile. Decompilation is the process of turning code into source code.

Please note, that when the program is run, the Java files will be compiled into platform bytecodes. However, once compiled, the basic algorithms of Java programs are easy to see. So, the possibility of the application being hijacked will be greater.

To anticipate this, you need to increase the security of the program extra. For example, by using an encrypted license.

3. Unattractive Graphical User Interface (GUI)

GUI or Graphical User Interface is the display of an application or website that functions for interaction with users. Some GUI components for example, icons, buttons, menus, and others.

Unfortunately, if you want to make an application or website display using Java, the results will be less attractive. Because, the benefits of Java are usually used more to create the back-end of an application.

So, if you want to create an attractive display, you can create it using JavaScript.

Important Java Components

There are three important components of Java. The three components are:

1. JDK

The Java Development Kit (JDK) is a core component of Java. This component provides all the tools , executables , binaries needed to compile, debug , and execute a Java program.

2. JVM

The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is often considered the heart of the Java programming language. When running Java programs, the JVM is tasked with converting  byte code into more specific code.

3. JRE

The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is an implementation of the JVM. The JVM provides a  platform for executing Java programs.

Important Features

9 Best Java Framework

Frameworks can help Java developers to make applications easier. Here are some examples of Java frameworks that are commonly used to create Java-based applications.

1. Spring

The first example of a Java framework is Spring. This framework provides a lightweight Java application development platform that minimizes errors that occur. Spring also provides complete third party libraries. So you can build any Java application with more features. Spring also supports a reactive (non-blocking) programming model. So, you can compose code more quickly and efficiently. Some popular applications that have used this Java framework, for example, Netflix, Yatra, Amazon, and eBay. 

2. Struts

Struts is an open source framework maintained by the Apache Software Foundation (ASF). This framework is commonly used to develop modern web applications, such as NexGen Technologies, Accenture , and Infosys.

The Struts framework also supports the use of AJAX to make applications more attractive and dynamic. Struts also provides integration for other frameworks, such as Spring, Hibernate, and others. So, you can create applications more easily and feature rich.

3. Java Server Faces (JSF)

Java Server Faces (JSF) is one example of a Java Framework that is quite popular. JSF was developed by Oracle to build a Java-based website application user interface. JFS has also been integrated with other components such as AJAX, to make applications more lively. In addition, this Framework implements the MVC design pattern and implements an architecture that makes it easy for you to build applications faster.

4. Grails

Grails uses the Groovy Apache language and improves development productivity for creating web applications. Java libraries and business logic classes   can be used directly in Grails and seamlessly integrated into your Java development workflow, while complementing Java web development. Developers have welcomed Grails with wide open arms for the following reasons:

• Has seamless integration and interoperability with Java
• Dependency injection supported by Spring
• Got ORM/Nosql support
• Easy Microservices facilitated by Spring boot
• Support from top Java IDEs like Eclipse, NetBeans, Sublime Intellij IDEA etc.
• Scalable using custom built plugins

The history of Grails started in 2005 and it started to be a sign for the development of JVM based applications. Grails is available  free  to use as an open source framework under the Apache License 2.0 and continues to be actively maintained. Grails is always getting regular updates with sponsors from Object Computing, Inc. (OCI).

5. Vaadin

Vaadin is one of the most powerful frameworks and it is growing rapidly in recent years. The Vaadin framework can be used to create simple websites as well as very complex enterprise web applications. Vaadin architecture allows server side development  or  both client side models  . Its server side development model competes with Spring MVC and these are the two frameworks that have replaced Struts for a long time in the past. The server side model uses Ajax as the  engine based client side  . The client side model uses Google’s GWT to compile Java code to JavaScript which is sent to the  front end and executed in the browser. One of the best parts is that you can mix components developed in two models in one project and get the best of both worlds.

6. Play

Play Framework is an open source web development framework that takes a modern approach and supports application development in Java and Scala. The framework is very lightweight, comes with unblocked I/O and focuses on the needs of web and mobile applications. Play has grown in popularity among developers after its relaunch in 2007 and to date many innovative sites are supported by the Play framework. Some big names use it in one or another web or mobile app like LinkedIn, Klout, GILT, ZapTravel and theGuardian.

7. Spark

Created by Per Wendel in 2011 which makes developing REST APIs and web services its hallmark. Spark is an open source, advanced framework that can handle URLs by easily defining routes consisting of verbs,  paths  and  callbacks  . Spark is best suited when you want to quickly build a simple web application or create a web-based Rest service with all the control in your hands. Your application will revolve around the Spark framework when it has connected external libraries and components, as needed. Spark has grown in popularity with the growth of architectures based on  micro services and to date Spark remains one of the most beloved frameworks among the Java developer community. Spark is built around Java 8’s Lambda philosophy, allowing you to build less verbose applications than other  full stack  Java frameworks.

8. Struts2

Struts reached its peak a decade ago when it became a leader in the Java web development market but lost ground over a period of time. Spring frameworks and other newcomers have taken over much of the Struts market share in recent times. However, a lot of people are very positive about the latest release of Struts and a lot of developers are starting to look back at Struts with all the new perspectives it brings. Struts is a framework that can be used to develop modern web applications in Java. Struts framework is scalable with the use of special plugins, some of the plugins used for development are plugins for REST APIS, JSON and AJAX. Struts2 keeps up with modern web frameworks like Spring, Vaadin and Grails etc.

• AJAX support for asynchronous requests and performance improvements
• Integration options for other frameworks like Spring, Hibernate, Tiles and others.
• Actions  based on  plain old java objects  (POJOs)
• Ease of development using UI tags, control tags and data tags and so on.
• Configure MVC using xml files, modify and control everything from the Struts configuration file.
• Theme and template support – xhtml, css xhtml

9. Netty

Netty framework is widely used in the business of developing protocol servers and clients. By using Netty, it can accelerate the development of network applications that are  asynchronous ,  event-driven , flexible and scalable without sacrificing performance. The main features of Netty are as follows:

• Support for multiple transport types with  unified  API –  nonblocking and blocking sockets .
• Customizable thread model for  single threads  or thread pools
• High performance and ensures low latency, better  throughput  , optimal memory copy and less resource consumption   .
• Supports SSL/TSL and StartTLS to ensure security.
• Great documentation and a very helpful community.

Data Types in Java

There are several data types that we can use when using the Java programming language, including:

• Integer
• Char
• Boolean
• float
• Double
• String
• and so forth

Java VS Javascript

Many people think that Javascript is part of the Java programming language, I used to think so too. It turns out that Javascript and Java are different, even though both programming languages ​​use the word Java in their names.

In this article we will not discuss about these differences. What is certain is that the two are distinctly different.