According to some reports, Java is the most popular programming language worldwide. It has straightforward syntax, it is portable, and there is a strong supporting environment for its developers. Acquiring skills in Java programming can assist in getting jobs in the IT sector especially in software design, mobile apps, and even large organizational systems. In a nutshell, for learners who aspire to comprehend the basic principles of computer coding algorithms and how these can be implemented in practical projects, knowledge of Java language along with its surrounding enables them to achieve so.

This article seeks to answer some of the questions: What is Java? How did it come about? Why is Java so popular? And what are the different tools and technologies which are associated with Java? This context will enable you to understand why Java is and has been the workhorse of the software development world.

What are the Necessary Characteristics of Java?

It is worth noting that Java is an object-oriented programming language that complies with the basics of structural programming paradigms. The core purpose of Java's development was to minimize as much as possible the requirements needed for software implementation. It was created by Sun Microsystems in 1995. Java language is compatible with the "Write Once, Run Anywhere" (WORA) principle which indicates that Java applications can be executed on any platform offering a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), irrespective of the hardware and operating systems configurations.

The need to assist developers in creating programs, irrespective of the platform, which could be used for operating is what gave rise to the language that was developed by James Gosling and Mike Sheridan. This portability is also one of the factors which makes Java rank as one of the most used programming languages up to this day.

Java has become a very comprehensive and complex ecosystem that includes the Java programming language itself (Java), Java virtual machine (JVM), libraries, tools and frameworks. This ecosystem supplies all requirements needed for developers to create, publish and maintain Java applications in various fields including websites, mobile applications and huge enterprise systems.

What is the Java Virtual Machine (JVM)?

The limiting factor that denotes how far an application can be operated from a particular platform is primarily determined by the Java Virtual Machine, or bridge as it is referred to. Java Virtual Machine is definitional in that it allows Java applications to be usable on multiple platforms that have it installed in them. As a layer of the JVM, a developer writes Java code which is simply compiled to reach a stage of bytecode that is neutral and does not pertain to a particular set of hardware or operating system. The Java application is then executed into the compiled code at which point it becomes ready for the specific platform.

This architecture enables applications written in Java to be executed in multiple environments without difficulty. Therefore, it does not matter whether you are making an application for Windows or Mac or even a mobile application you can be certain that the application will operate in the same manner if it is run in on the JVM.

JDK (Java Development Kit) and JRE (Java Runtime Environment)

You would need JDK and JRE in order to begin developing in Java as they are the two crucial ingredients.

1. Java Development Kit (JDK) : The Java Development Kit (JDK) is a collection of tools which enables a software developer to create applications in Java. It contains a Java compiler that translates Java programs from source code to bytecode as well as other programs for easier development like debugging and profiling. The JRE is also included as it is a requirement to execute any Java program.

2. Java Runtime Environment (JRE) : A Java runtime environment (JRE) is a component of the JDK intended only to allow for the execution of Java programs. It incorporates the strategy of the Java virtual machine (JVM), and most of the supportive libraries required for the execution of java applications are also integrated within it. If your intention is to execute an application rather than creating one, you can proceed to only install JRE.

These tools are important whether you want to create software or run Java-based applications.

The Java Ecosystem

The ecology of the Java language is quite extensive and is composed of several tools, libraries, and frameworks which aid developers in the building of viable and concise applications. Below are some of the core components that form the Java ecosystem.

Java Libraries and APIs

The wide range of libraries and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) offered to developers is one of the most plausible explanations for the enduring appeal of the Java language. This makes it easy for users of the language to perform simple operations like connecting to a network, reading and writing inputs, storing data, among many other tasks, without the need to rewrite code. The books comprise all that is required to build an application, significantly reducing the workload of Java developers.

Apart from the standard ones, Java is also supported by numerous other frameworks and third party libraries that need not be within the rubric of the language. Such libraries are usually made available by the open-source community and big corporations, and are free to use within Java applications.

Frameworks

Something like a framework is known to be a structure which consists of prewritten codes and is used for applications development in a particular manner. Frameworks are systems that help developers by providing them with templates for developing applications. Java framework can be used for different pool of developments for example:

- Spring : By and large, the most popular framework for enterprise application development, fully functional. It offers capabilities for application integration, web, security, and many others.

- Hibernate : Implements and manages the persistent storage in Java through application classes that are relational databases. This framework allows use of java objects in certain corresponding tables.

- JavaFX : This framework is designed for developing complex desktop applications that have a GUI.

All the listed frameworks are time savers, as they provide tested components which can be used in development by the developers and this makes them concentrate on other outstanding features of their applications.

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

Along with other software development tools, Integrated Development Environment (IDE) also helps to write and manage the Java code. An IDE is a computer software that includes developer tools for writing, debugging and testing code. Widely used java IDEs include:

- Eclipse This application is one of the most popular IDEs among open sources because it supports development of java apps. Apart from auto-code completion and debugging tools, there is a plugin for several Java frameworks.

- IntelliJ IDEA This is a paid for application and it enhances writing as it enables intelligent code suggestion, allows navigation and supports enhanced features of Java.

- NetBeans Simple and user friendly IDE suitable for both first time users and the experienced developers that is freely available.

This organized structure allows developers to easily construct complex applications since they now have a platform to write, test and debug the Java source codes.

Build Tools

Dependency management as well as automating building in any software project is very crucial. In Java, there are build machines such as Maven and Gradle that assist in downloading the dependencies required in the project, compiling it and creating the appropriate format for deploying the project.

- Maven : A well known build automation tool which controls the dependencies and provides a uniform method for constructing the Java projects. An XML profile is used to explain the dependencies and structure of the project.

- Gradle : A more recent and advanced form of construction tool that aims to improve the efficiency and flexibility that Maven does not include. A Groovy based DSL is found in Gradle and is a frequent flyer for building advanced applications having several modules.

These tools assist developers in automating monotonous activities and maintain the uniformity of the building of their Java projects.