Getting Started With Java Programming Basics and Fundamentals

Introduction

In 1991, James Gosling, Patrick Naughton, and Mike Sheridan developed Java at Sun Microsystem. Before getting started with Java Programming, it is important to know about it. Java is considered one of the highest-level, secure programming languages ever developed. Although, during that time, it was called OAK, gradually, by 1995, the name was changed to Java.

After a few years, Sun Microsystems, the company that invented Java, was acquired by one of the largest companies, Oracle Corporation. Java is the most widely used programming language because it can be accessed easily by users and is supported by a wide range of systems. To ace Java learning, it is important to be thorough with the basics, fundamentals, and programming and follow up with the applications for a clear understanding.

Importance of Learning Java

The primary importance of learning Java is that it comprises features usually absent in other programming languages. A few of the other importance of Java learning are mentioned below:-

Easy Learning

One of the many importances in Java learning is that a learner can easily understand its concepts. One of the easiest to learn is Syntax. There are unlimited resources available from which one can learn.

Independent Platform

Unlike how a program written on a Mac OS usually runs on Windows, when it comes to Java, it does not require any operating system. Thus, it can also be said that it is an independent platform from which one can learn.

Improve Performance Level

Another importance of learning Java is that it is fast compared to other programming languages. One of many examples is that of a Compiled Java code. It is also known as byte code that offers faster execution.

The Editions of Java

Java has three editions in total, each with a unique capability. More information about the editions of Java is mentioned below and discussed thoroughly:-

Java Standard Edition: Java is generally preferred to all the other programming languages as it offers optimum security. In a desktop computer, this Java edition is used for creating programs.

Java Micro Edition: This Java edition is exclusively used for developing applications in micro or small devices, for example, phones, appliances, set-top boxes, and such. Java Micro Edition is exclusively programmed to run on devices composed of limited memory.

Java Enterprise Edition: As the name suggests, this Java edition is for creating comparatively large programs and handling loads of traffic and sensitive and complex transactions.

The Core Features of Java

The following are the features of Java:

Robust: To offer an extremely valid memory management system, Java uses a garbage collector, for example, exception handling features.

Secure: No explicit pointers are used in Java; this makes it an extremely secure language. Every Java program can be run on a virtual machine.

Portable: The fact that it is easy to carry Java’s bytecode to any platform makes it extremely portable.

Basics of Java Programming

Before beginning the Java Programming learning journey, it is very important to understand the basics. The following are the basics that you should know about before diving deep into the programming world:

• Keywords in Java

The words that are either used for internal processes or symbolize some predefined actions are known as Keywords. They are also known as reserved words. It is advised not to use these variable names as they lead to a compile-time error.

• Data Types in Java

Every variable in Java comes with a unique data type. Here, each data type demands various amounts of memory along with certain operations you can perform.

• Operators in Java

The foundation of any programming language in Java is known as operators. In simpler terms, it can also be said that operators are symbols through which you can perform certain logical and mathematical computations on operands.

• Java Interfaces

The composition of method fields and signatures is called Java Interfaces. It is termed the core concept in Java and a way of achieving abstraction, polymorphism, and inheritances.

• Java Package

A set of similar types of Interfaces, sub-packages, and classes is known as Java Package. The primary job of Java Package is to maintain the interfaces and classes easily by organizing them.

Multiple Java Programming Applications

Given that Java Programming is one of the most used programming languages globally, it has many applications. It is generally used to develop Android apps, Mobile Java applications, big data analytics, etc.  Some of the other applications are as follows:-

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is currently the most commonly used tool; for AI projects, the most preferred language is Java. Some of the terrific features that come when Java embeds with AI are easy coding features, smooth user interaction, and such.

Scientific applications

Java is also used in scientific applications it is composed of high-level security. MATLAB is one such application where Java is used as the core system's main component.

Gaming Applications

The most preferred programming language for gaming applications is Java. Some applications where Java is used are Minecraft, Mission Impossible 3, Asphalt 6, and such.

Mobile Applications

Java is also used in making applications that can be used in small screen devices, for example, mobile. Some mobile applications where Java is already in use are Twitter, Spotify, and Netflix.

JVM, JRE, JDK- The Java Environment

Many developers use Java to incorporate it into their game development, desktop computing, and even mobile; this is when the JVM, JRE, and JDK come into play. Since each of these come with unique and different Operating System condition, they are dependent. However, irrespective of the platform, Java is independent. All of the three are different but equally essential. More about these three are discussed below:

JVM

Java Virtual Machine or JVM is an abstract machine that allows the execution of bytecode by offering a runtime environment. Since JVM does not exist physically, it goes by the virtual machine's name. Since JVM is a part of JRE, one needs to install the latter to install the former.

JRE

JRE is the abbreviation form of Java Runtime Environment. It is a whole composition of tools contributing to other application development, offering a runtime environment. it can be said that to run any Java program, the user must have JRE. The best part about JRE is that it comes with JDK all bundled up, which means one need not go through the whole process of installing JRE separately on their desktop.

JDK

JDK stands for Java Development Kit, which offers a suitable environment for the development and execution of Java programs. JDK is composed of JRE, along with other various development tools. The best part is that multiple versions of JDK can be installed on one computer. Some of the common applications of JDK are said to be in Linux, macOS, Solaris, and Windows.

Conclusion

Because of Java's efficiency, dependability, and security, modern programming relies heavily on it. Its widespread use in various applications and simple syntax make it appealing to beginning and experienced programmers. In addition to learning a language, mastering Java's foundational concepts by enrolling in top software engineering courses in India will give you access to a dynamic and constantly changing field of software development. Therefore, Java is used in most programming languages in the software development field. In a nutshell, it can be said that it is fast, reliable, and secure and is widely used in many applications. Thus, this is all the information needed to know about Java programming.

FAQs

What is Java?

Java is the most used programming language coders use to code web applications.

Why should you learn Java Programming?

You should learn from Java programming because there is a high demand for Java operators.

What is Java Programming used for?

The common Java Programming uses are cloud computing, game development, and artificial intelligence.

How much time will it take to learn Java programming?

On average, it's around 6-12 months approximately.

Is Java easy to learn?

Yes, because it is composed of simple English-like syntax.