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What is Java and What is Java Used for?

Understanding the Basics and Real-World Applications of Java

By Steve DiazPublished about a year ago 4 min read

Java is a universally used programming language for coding web apps. It has been a well-known choice among developers for over 20 years, with millions of applications in use to date. In this blog, we will explore more on ‘what is Java?’, its uses, how it works, and more.

What is Java?

Java is a computer-aided language and computing platform which is used to develop many types of applications. Applications like, smartphone operating systems, enterprise software, web applications, mobile apps, big data applications, video games, AI tools, and more. This platform is a well-known choice for developers because:

  • It is multiplatform.
  • It is object-oriented.
  • This platform is fast, secure, and reliable.
  • It is designed for use in all types of applications.
  • Java is based on C and C++.
  • This platform is free to download and can be used for personal use and development.

What is Java Used for?

After reading about ‘what is Java’, let us explore what it is used for. It is a free-to-use and adaptable language. It builds regional and distributed software. Here are some of its common uses:

1. Game Development

A lot of famous mobile, computer, and video games are developed in it. Modern games that combine with advanced technology like machine learning or virtual reality are developed with Java.

2. Cloud Computing

Java is usually called WORA - Write Once and Run Anywhere, which makes it ideal for allocation cloud-based applications. Application providers choose this language to run programs on vast expansive fundamental platforms.

3. Big Data

This platform is used for processing data engines that can work with complicated data sets and large amounts of data.

4. Artificial Intelligence

It is a highflyer of machine learning libraries. The stability and speed of this makes it perfect for AI application development like deep learning and natural language.

5. Internet of Things

This is being used to program sensors and hardware in distributed devices that can attach to the internet independently.

What are the differences between Java and JavaScript?

As we know that both Java and JavaScript are programming languages, but they also have many differences such as:

- Compilation: It is a compiled programming language whereas JavaScript is an interpreted language. It’s code is written and is the run through compiler to develop bytecode. Whereas, JavaScript’s code is explained when it runs.

- Use: It is used to create a vast variety of applications, whereas JavaScript is usually used to develop interactive websites.

- Object-oriented programming: It uses object oriented programming paradigm, whereas JavaScript uses an original approach.

- Type Checking: It uses static type checking, whereas JavaScript uses dynamic typing.

- Concurrency: It uses various threads to do tasks parallely, whereas JavaScript handles concurrency on one central thread of execution.

- Syntax: JavaScript has a normal syntax that includes functions and variables, whereas Java needs to specify the variable’s data type.

Why is Java popular?

Java is popular as it was designed for easy to use. Some of the reasons why developers choose this technology continuously over other programming languages because:

- High-Quality Learning Resources

There are many learning resources available for new programmers. Comprehensive books, detailed documentation, and courses support developers through a learning curve.

- Inbuilt Functions and Libraries

Developers don’t need to write every new function from the start while using Java. Infact, it offers a rich environment of in-built functions and libraries to create a collection of applications.

- Active Community Support

This technology currently has many users and a community that helps developers when they face obstacles in coding. This platform software is also managed, preserved and updated regularly.

- High-quality Development Tools

It provides many tools to support automated editing, debugging, testing, deployment, and change management. These make programming time consuming and budget friendly.

- Platform Independent

Its code works on any platform like Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android without rewriting. This makes it stronger in today’s environment, where one wants to run applications on different devices.

- Security

One can download untrusted Java code through a network and use it in a safe environment without causing any harm. Untrusted codes can’t affect the host system with a virus; neither can it read or write files from the hard drive. Its security level and restrictions are highly user-configurable.

How does Java work?

All of the programming languages are a way of communicating with machines. It acts like a bridge between human and hardware languages. Developers need to understand two things to use this technology, these are:

1. Java Language and APIs

It is the front-end communication between developers and the Java platform. It explains the syntax and semantics of the programming language. This involves basic vocabulary and rules that are used to write algorithms like primitive data types, if/else blocks, loops, etc. APIs are important software components tied to this platform.

2. Java Virtual Machine

It is the back-end communication between the underlying hardware and the Java platform. Virtual Machine works as an extra abstraction layer between this platform and the underlying machine hardware. Its source code can work only on the machines that support JVM.

Final Words On ‘What is Java and What is Java used for?’

Java is used by millions of developers to create everything from desktop programs to polished web apps. As we read in this blog about ‘what is Java’ and what it is used for, Java continues to be a vastly used and scalable programming language.

It is used in many applications like game creation, IoT, AI, ML, enterprise applications, web and mobile development. Gain a clearer understanding of Java and its wide range of uses, from basic programming to complex system development, through Java Training . This platform is a worldwide option for developers because of its capacity to function on multiple platforms.

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