Java Programming Language
Java is a versatile programming language used to create software applications. It’s popular because it’s platform-independent, meaning it runs on any device. Java code is compiled into bytecode, which can run on any system with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It’s commonly used for web development, mobile apps, and enterprise applications. These are the basic concepts of Java language and are essential for mastering Java coding for beginners.
Java Versions
In the year 2009, Oracle Corporation took over Sun Microsystems. The latest Java SE 22 version was released on 19th March 2024.
Java versions refer to different releases of the basic concepts of Java programming and its development kit, the JDK (Java Development Kit). Each major release typically includes syntax updates, performance improvements, and new libraries.
In addition to major releases, Java also has minor and interim updates. For example, Java 8u271 mainly includes bug fixes and security patches.
Java follows a versioning scheme: Java 5, Java 8, Java 11, Java 17, Java 22, etc. These updates enhance the fundamentals of Java programming by refining tools and improving compatibility.
Java’s Editions
Each edition of Java has different capabilities:
Java SE (Standard Edition): Core libraries and tools for developing desktop applications. Foundation for many basic Java programming concepts.
Java EE (Enterprise Edition): APIs and environments for building enterprise-level web services and applications.
Java ME (Micro Edition): Optimized for mobile phones and embedded systems.
Java Applications
We can make four kinds of Java applications with Java programming:
Java standalone applications are programs that run independently on a computer without needing a web browser or internet connection. They are self-contained and typically interact with the user through a graphical user interface (GUI) or command-line interface (CLI).
Enterprise Applications
Java enables development of various applications:
Standalone Applications: Self-contained programs like simple Java programs with GUI or CLI.
Enterprise Applications: Software for business operations like CRM, ERP, etc.
Web Applications: Java apps running on browsers (e.g., JSP, Servlets).
Mobile Applications: Apps for Android and embedded devices using Java ME.
Java Main Features
Java is renowned for its powerful features that make it a popular choice among developers. Some key features:
Platform Independence:
Java applications can run on any device platform (windows/Linux) with the help of Java Virtual Machine (JVM. This “write once, run anywhere” capability allows developers to create software that can run on diverse platforms without modification.
Object-Oriented:
Java is object-oriented, meaning it revolves around objects that encapsulate data and behavior. This paradigm promotes code reusability, modularity, and easier maintenance.
Simple and Familiar Syntax:
Java’s syntax is derived from C and C++, making it familiar to developers of these languages. It’s designed to be easy to learn and read, with clear and straightforward syntax.
Automatic Memory Management (Garbage Collection):
Java automatically manages memory allocation and deallocation, relieving developers from manual memory management tasks. The Garbage Collector identifies and removes unused objects, reducing memory leaks and enhancing application stability.
Robustness and Security:
Java’s robustness is evident in its built-in exception handling, strong type checking, and runtime environment that ensures reliable program execution. Java’s security features include a robust security model, class loading verification, and sandboxing to prevent unauthorized access and execution of malicious code.
Multi-threading Support:
Java supports concurrent programming through its multi-threading capabilities. Developers can create applications that execute multiple threads concurrently, enhancing performance and responsiveness.
Rich Standard Library:
Java comes with a vast standard library (Java API) that provides ready-to-use classes and methods for common programming tasks, such as networking, I/O operations, data structures, and more. This extensive library reduces development time and effort.
High Performance:
Despite being interpreted initially, modern Java implementations, such as Oracle’s HotSpot JVM, offer high performance through Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, adaptive optimization, and other techniques.
Portability:
Java’s platform independence and bytecode compilation enable portability across different operating systems and hardware architectures, allowing applications to run unchanged on various devices and environments.
Community and Ecosystem:
Java boasts a large and active developer community, along with a vibrant ecosystem of tools, frameworks (e.g., Spring, Hibernate), and libraries (e.g., Apache Commons, Guava) that extend its capabilities and support various development needs
Java Is Well Known For OOPs:
Java embraces the principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), facilitating modular, scalable, and maintainable codebases. The Key OOP concepts in Java include:
Class and Object:
Classes serve as blueprints defining data members and methods, while objects represent instances of these classes, embodying unique states and behaviors.
Encapsulation:
Bundling data and methods within a single unit, encapsulation fosters data security and code modularity, crucial for building robust applications.
Encapsulation involves bundling data (attributes) and methods (behavior) within a single unit, known as a class. This shields the internal state of an object from external interference and ensures data integrity. For instance, consider a “Car” class with attributes like “model,” “color,” and methods like “StartEngine ()” and “stopEngine()”.
Inheritance:
Enabling code reuse and hierarchy, inheritance allows classes to acquire properties and behaviors of parent classes, promoting code scalability and extensibility. It allows a sub-class to inherit attributes and methods from the super superclass. It promotes code reusability and initiates an “is-a” relationship between classes.
For example, a “Vehicle” class can serve as a superclass for “Car,” “Truck,” and “Motorcycle” classes, inheriting common attributes and methods.
Polymorphism:
Facilitating flexibility and extensibility, enhancing code adaptability and versatility across various contexts. Polymorphism enables objects to take on multiple forms or behaviors based on their context. In Java, It can be achieved through method overriding(re-defining parent class method in the child class) and method overloading(in the same class writing multiple methods having the same name but different numbers of parameters or their different data types).
For instance, a “Shape” superclass can have a “draw()” method overridden by subclasses like “Circle” and “Rectangle,” each implementing its drawing logic.
Abstraction:
Concealing implementation details involves hiding complex implementation details and exposing only essential features of an object, enhancing code clarity and maintainability. In Java, it can be achieved through abstract classes and interfaces. Abstract classes define incomplete methods that must be implemented by subclasses, while interfaces specify a contract that implementing classes must adhere to.
For example, an “Animal” abstract class can define abstract methods like “eat()” and “sleep(),” which concrete subclasses like “Dog” and “Cat” must implement eat() and sleep().
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