Basics of Java Programming Language

Harish
3 min readJun 21, 2024

--

Ready to dive into the basics of Java programming? Java , a powerful programming language, was developed by James Gosling and his team at Sun Microsystems in the late ’90s. Officially released in 1995, Java has evolved significantly over the years. The current version, as of March 2024, is Java version 22. Java is now owned by Oracle and continues to be a popular choice for developers due to its platform independence, high-level language features, and object-oriented nature.

Fundamentals of Java Programming

History and Evolution

Java was developed as a solution to the complexities of system-dependent programming languages. James Gosling and his team at Sun Microsystems aimed to create a language that could run on any device without the need for recompilation. The first version of Java was released in 1995, and over the years, it has undergone numerous updates and improvements. Today, Java is widely used for building web applications, mobile applications, and large-scale enterprise systems.

Platform Independence

Image credits to https://learn2code.tech/

One of Java’s key features is its platform independence, encapsulated in the phrase “Write Once, Run Anywhere” (WORA). This means that Java code can run on any device equipped with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The JVM interprets the compiled bytecode into machine-specific code, enabling Java applications to run on various operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS, and Linux without modification.

How Does Java Achieve Platform Independence?

Java achieves platform independence through the use of bytecode and the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Image credits to https://learn2code.tech/

Compiling to Bytecode:

  • Java programs are compiled into an intermediate form called bytecode.
  • Bytecode is platform-neutral and not specific to any machin.

Java Virtual Machine (JVM):

  • The JVM interprets bytecode into machine-specific code that can be executed by the hardware.
  • Every operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) has its own JVM, which allows the same bytecode to run on different platforms.

Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA):

  • This principle means that Java code, once compiled to bytecode, can run on any device with a JVM without modification.

High-Level Language

Image credits to https://learn2code.tech/

High-level language means human-readable code that is translated into machine-level code using a compiler.

Java is a high-level programming language, which means it is designed to be easy for humans to read and write. High-level languages abstract away much of the complexity involved in programming, making it easier to develop complex applications. Java achieves this by using a compiler that translates human-readable code into machine-readable bytecode. This bytecode is then executed by the JVM, ensuring that the program runs smoothly across different platforms.

In addition to learning the basics and fundamentals of Java programming, this Basics of Java Programming Language post help you to understand the Java basics.

Mastering pattern programs can greatly enhance your understanding and problem-solving skills. These pattern programs are not only interesting but also commonly asked in Java programming interviews. They require logical thinking and a solid grasp of loops and conditions to create intricate patterns using stars or other symbols. Understanding and practicing these patterns will not only prepare you for technical interviews but also strengthen your overall programming proficiency in Java.

--

--