Java is one of the OG programming languages most developers love but also dread and complain about.
Can you believe it was the sixth most commonly used language in 2022? Java gets downloaded 1 billion times every year.
This programming language, created by James Gosling, runs on over 5.5 billion devices.
Its power reaches web, desktop and mobile applications.
Yet, it's also widely used for games, QA Automation and IoT applications.
Java is a highly verbose programming language, yet its learning curve is easier than you think.
In this article, we'll learn Java's main characteristics and why it's so powerful.
What is Java?
You may have heard that Java is a high-level, multi-paradigm programming language. What does that mean?
Well, it means that Java is user-friendly, user-oriented, and supports procedural and object-oriented languages.
Java began in 1990 as an internal project developed at Sun Microsystems that went by the name "Oak."
They then renamed it after the Indonesian island famous for its coffee—that's why its logo is a cup of coffee!
As mentioned in a related article, Java has nothing to do with JavaScript.
However, Java's (and C++'s) syntax did inspired JavaScript's syntax.
Being a strongly-typed language, it enforces early error detection and improves readability.
Why is Java Popular?
"Write once, run everywhere."
First, Java allows to run code on any device or OS with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed.
As it includes Mac, Windows, Linux and Android, Java-based apps are highly portable.
Java also powers enterprise web apps built with Springboot and mobile apps on Android with Android Studio.
It also works on desktop and smart TV apps and car navigation systems.
What's more, Java is even part of NASA's Mars Rovers!
The JVM acts as an interpreter that allows Java to compile its code to byte code without recompiling.
That's why you may have heard it's both a compiled and interpreted language that requires a Java Runtime Environment.
Luckily, most computers have it installed by default.
Java Programming Languages Main Benefits
As mentioned, Java is a robust, fast, reliable, secure and easy-to-understand programming language.
The Sun Microsystems team designed Java to address three common issues with other programming languages at that time.
These issues were the lack of garbage collection, runtime type checking and reflection.
Let's explore why these aspects are so advantageous.
Java Garbage Collection
Java supports automatic garbage collection, which optimizes memory usage by constantly checking what objects aren't in use.
The JVM constantly scans those objects and removes them automatically, improving efficiency and performance.
Manually tracking and releasing memory would be a huge hassle, but the JVM lifts that weight off your shoulders.
Java Runtime Type Checking
Java checks object types at runtime instead of relying on compile-time, which can be helpful with easy-to-overlook errors.
If there's a mismatch, Java will raise an exception and halt program execution.
In the long run, that will help prevent crashes and facilitate maintenance.
Java Reflection
When writing an object, the reflection will let you inspect it to see all the fields and methods available. I
t'll also make it easy to create new objects and change their values dynamically.
However, reflection perfectly fits the cliche phrase, "with great power comes great responsibility."
The reason is that it adds more complexity to the code introducing potential costs that may slow down execution.
How To Get Started With Java?
Getting started with Java is easier than you may have heard; trust me!
Here we've compiled a list of the steps you need to follow.
Java Development Kit (JDK)
Think of the JDK as a powerful toolbox with everything you need to build, compile, and run Java apps.
The JDK includes an interpreter, a Java compiler , Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
It also comprises an archiver, debuggers and more developer tools.
JAVA_HOME Environment Variable
After installing the JDK, you'll need to set up the JAVA_HOME environment variable.
This variable will point to JDK location on your computer and help programs and tools to find it easily.
Setting up JAVA_HOME is no rocket science! First, you must find the folder that stores that JDK.
Once you find the folder, you must identify the installation directory, which will vary depending on your OS.
Then you must manually define the JAVA_HOME, which will act as an address for other programs to find the JDK.
Lastly, you need to apply the changes and verify that it's working correctly by running a simple command.
That's all there is to it. As I said, it's not rocket science.
Choose a JAVA IDE
The JDK only doesn't include a place to write, debug and test your code.
Many popular options are available and it's easy to get overwhelmed.
When choosing an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), you must consider several edges.
Some include plugins, refactoring, code analysis and completion, editing and graphical interfaces.
You must also consider integrations with other tools and frameworks and community support.
Among the most popular options, you can find Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA and NetBeans.
First Java Program
Open your chosen IDE and create a new Java project with a file that ends in .java and begin with a class.
Ideally, select the same name for the file and the class you use to start the program.
Using the public keyword before the class name will make it accessible from anywhere in your program.
The primary method must be within it that indicates where the code will start executing.
This simple program will print "Enjoy your coffee!" to the console when you run.
Bonus tip: you can use the new keyword to create an object or instance of the class quickly!
Conclusion
Java is a mighty, strong, and popular choice for programming you can use to build a wide range of services.
It may be harder to learn than languages like Python and Ruby, but its speed and efficiency are worth it!
Java is among the technologies our teams leverage for world-class, highly secured software platforms.
If you want to build products that leverage the power of Java, get in touch!
