Java

Java was originally developed as an implementation of a programming language that would compile and complete its directive functions regardless of platform and language version. It was developed by James Gosling, a software developer employed by Sun Microsystems in June of 1991, whom released the first version of Java in 1995.

The language is designed to allow programmers to write the code once and have it work in any Java Virtual Machine. The ability to do so has made this programming language extremely versatile, productive, and easy to use, and has helped to make computers and the internet more interactive.

Gosling’s main goals in developing the Java language were: implementing object oriented programming methodology containing built in support for the use of computer networks, the ability to execute remote sources of code in a secure fashion, and of course cross platform compatibility.

The following list of ideals for Java has stuck ever since it was created in 1995:

• Simple, Object oriented, and Familiar
• Robust and Secure
• Architecture Neutral and Portable
• High Performance Execution
• Interpreted, Threaded, and Dynamic

The history behind the naming of this programming language is a bit drab. Searching for a suitable name, James Gosling originally titled his language “Oak”, after a tall oak tree that cast shade into his office. Eventually, “Oak” became “Green”, and then “Java” was chosen from a list of random words that had been compiled.

The most appealing feature of Java is indubitably its platform independence, which means that any snippet of Java code, when compiled, will run in a similar fashion on any of the supported platforms. A programmer should be able to write a program one time, compile it one time, and then be able to execute it anywhere; holding true to the Sun Microsystems slogan, “Write Once, Run Anywhere.”

The downside to Java is that it is a bloated language (causing long buffer times), while still being simple and feature suppressed, leaving many programmers and users irate.

What is Java Used For?

Java is used in many facets, from the digital displays on your microwaves and refrigerators in your kitchen to the digital displays on your telephones, fax machines, and copiers in your office. It is used on the web (via applets) for entertainment, research, and other miscellaneous functions, like a website spell checker that will automatically go through your website, click each link, and spell check every page. Here are some examples of how Java is being used.

Internet Java Applications

Java applets are special code which is designed to be embedded within a Web page to run an application in your web browser.  Java applets are used to allow chat functionality, performing mathematical calculations, and a whole host of other functions.  Java is a very sturdy Language which makes it possible to even make online games feasible without the use of large amounts of resources.

Java Applications on Your Computer

The Java language is very simple to learn and use to create spectacular applications which could run locally on your computer. This is possible on nearly every computer due to the programming language itself. Since most operating systems have a version of the Java Virtual Machine ported to them, java applications have the ability to function regardless of the end user’s computer environment. This means that someone with a Windows machine can run the same Java programs on an Apple machine and even on a Unix/Linux machine as well.

Mobile Phones – Mobile phones are large targets for Java applications because it offers easy integration and can run with limited resources. Games, useful programs and other functioning applets are available for mobile phones. The advantages of these applications are that they take up little space and can run on any phone which has Java capabilities.

Amazon Kindle – The Kindle makes use of Java in its integral structure. Java controls all of the functions and makes the e-ink possible on the device. Integration to the whisper net of Amazon allows instant download of contents onto the device no matter where you are. It has the capability to store over 200 books and reading materials which would be available at your fingertips.

Livescribe Writing Tool – The Livescribe pen is a very unique device which allows you to write on special paper with a pen that records everything you do with Java. Special applications can be installed onto the pen such as games, sound recording applications and so much more. These devices are the future of manual writing utensils.

Sentilla Computer Free Computing – This is a revolutionary use of Java. A microchip fitted with microcontrollers which perform Java functions controlled by several input device options. This could be motion control, weather changes, light sensitivity and basically anything that can be measured with a small java application that runs on the device. It has a multitude of applications in security systems, military projects and many other things.

Bluray Disc – The Bluray disc is very useful for many reasons. It can hold immense amounts of data, store movies and images and now video games for gaming platforms such as the Sony Playstation 3. With Java, it can run games and applications on generic Bluray disc players. This is very unique and offers a large market in gaming to those who only have Bluray disc players apart from the gaming consoles.

Printers – Special printers are now available which use Java directly within their on board programming. This offers a wide range of functions that were never available on printers before and can be used even without a connection to a computer. These printers can accept image data from many types of media and have image processing software on board.

The Installation of Java on Your Machine

To use Java on your computer, it must be installed before it is available. Some computers have Java preinstalled if it has software that requires the Java Virtual Machine. The easy way to check if it is already on your machine is to visit the official Java website which has the installer available for free. The resulting installation file will allow you to install the newest version of the Java Virtual Machine for your computer and web browsers. You will need to manually uninstall the older version of the software if your computer was outfitted with the latest version of the Java Virtual Machine.

The Differences between Java and JavaScript

Although the two programming languages of Java and JavaScript sound very similar, they are not the same thing. JavaScript is a programming language that was designed for easier use within web browsers only. The Java programming language makes it possible to write stand alone applications which could be used outside of the web browser environment. JavaScript is more of a watered down version of Java which is intended to only perform a handful of functions. Java is more versatile and can be used for serious programming projects.