Here are 5 Important Reasons to Learn Java Programming in 2024

Coding powers everything from the apps on your smartphone to the websites on your laptop. It is the secret sauce that brings technology to life. There are multiple programming languages, each with its unique purpose. Java is one such language that has been around since the 1990s. It is also known as one of the most versatile programming languages. In fact, nearly 30.49% of developers use Java worldwide, according to Stack Overflow’s 2023 Developer Survey. So what is Java? Why is it so popular? Let’s take a look at what Java is, explore its core concepts, and why it has become a favorite among programmers.

What is Java?

The question of what is Java can be answered in many ways. It is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible.

James Gosling designed it for embedded systems like smart appliances while he was at Sun Microsystems (now Oracle). However, Java is now used to build web applications, mobile apps, enterprise software, and even big data projects.

Java is platform agnostic, unlike some lower-level languages that require knowledge of specific hardware. In other words, code written in Java can run on various operating systems without needing major modifications. 

There are three editions of Java—  standard, enterprise, and micro. The standard version provides core functionalities for desktops, whereas the micro caters to mobile devices and embedded systems. Here are its key components:

A. Java Development Kit (JDK): A collection of tools needed to develop Java applications, including a compiler that translates Java code into a readable format.

B. Java Runtime Environment (JRE): A computer can run Java programs with the JRE. Most devices come installed with it.

C. Java Virtual Machine (JVM): A program that acts as an intermediary between Java bytecode (the compiled code) and the underlying operating system.

ALSO READ: A Beginner’s Guide to Coding Languages: All You Need to Know

Key Features of Java

Now that we have covered what is Java, let’s shed light on some of it main features:

1. Simplicity

The language is easy to learn and use, with a clear and concise syntax. It also eliminates many complex and error-prone features of languages like C and C++.

2. Platform Independence

Another significant feature of Java is its platform independence. The code can run on any system such as Windows or Mac, allowing programs to be executed anywhere.

3. Security

Many features like bytecode verification provide a secure environment for developing and running applications. It not only helps prevent memory corruption but also unauthorized access.

4. Concurrency

The language can run multiple threads concurrently, thus making it suitable for developing applications like games that need to perform numerous tasks.

5. Performance

Java is not faster than C or C++ but it provides high performance through the use of Just-In-Time (JIT) compilers. They convert bytecode into native machine code at runtime.

6. Rich Standard Library

It comes with a vast standard library that includes predefined classes and interfaces for data structures, networking, etc., consequently speeding up development.

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Advantages of Java

What is Java if not a language full of benefits? Here are some reasons that make Java a popular choice for programmers:

1. Code Maintainability

Java is an Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) language, meaning programs are built around objects that represent real-world entities. As a result, the code is more modular and reusable.

2. Automatic Memory Management

There is no burden of manual memory management on developers. A built-in process called garbage collection reclaims unused memory, thus preventing memory leaks and crashes.

3. Large and Active Community

Java has a supportive community of developers worldwide. In short, there is a wealth of online resources, tutorials, and forums to help you learn and troubleshoot issues.

4. Versatility

Java is useful for a wide range of applications. For example, it supports desktop programs, complex enterprise software, mobile apps, and many more.

5. Stability

Java is a mature language that has been around for decades. It is, therefore, quite reliable, making it a natural fit for mission-critical applications.

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Core Concepts of Java

Every aspiring developer asking what is Java needs to be familiar with the following concepts that form the backbone of the language:

1. Object-Oriented Programming

Java relies on objects and classes as the primary means of structuring software. Here are the key elements:

A. Classes and Objects: A class is a blueprint for objects, whereas an object is an instance of a class.

B. Inheritance: A mechanism wherein a new class inherits properties and behaviors from an existing class.

C. Polymorphism: The ability to present the same interface for different underlying forms (data types).

D. Encapsulation: The bundling of variables and functions that operate on the data into a single unit or class and restricting access to some of the object’s components.

Abstraction: The concept of hiding the complex implementation details and showing only the essential features of the object.

2. Exception Handling

There is a robust mechanism, particularly for handling errors and other exceptional events. It ensures that the program can continue its execution or fail gracefully.

• try, catch, finally are blocks to handle exceptions
• throw and throws are keywords to explicitly throw exceptions and declare them

3. Java Memory Model

The model defines how threads interact through memory and what behaviors are allowed in concurrent execution. It ensures visibility and ordering of memory operations, which is crucial for building reliable and correct concurrent applications.

4. Annotations

They provide metadata about the program. The compiler and the runtime environments use them for various purposes, such as code analysis, optimization, and documentation.

5. Lambda Expressions and Streams

Lambda expressions provide a clear and concise way to represent one method interface using an expression. On the other hand, streams offer a powerful way to process collections of objects.

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How to Get Started With Java

The blog started with a basic question—what is Java. Now, we can explore the language in depth with an example. Here are the steps to get you started:

1. Install the JDK

Go to the Oracle JDK download page and download the appropriate kit for your operating system. Also remember to set your environment variables after installation to use Java tools from the command line.

2. Pick an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

It is easy to write, run, and debug Java programs with an IDE. For instance, developers can use Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and NetBeans. Download and install one of these IDEs.

3. Write Your Program

Start with a “Hello, World!” program to familiarize yourself with the basics of Java syntax. Open your IDE and create a new file named HelloWorld.java. Enter the code:

public class HelloWorld {

    public static void main(String[] args) {

        System.out.println(“Hello, World!”);

    }

}

The IDE generally compiles and runs the program with a single click. If you are using the command line, navigate to the directory containing your HelloWorld.java file and run:

javac HelloWorld.java

java HelloWorld

4. Learn Concepts

Learn the basic concepts and syntax of Java, such as variables and data types, operators, control flow statements, methods, and classes and objects.

5. Join the Java Community

Become a part of the Java community to network and learn about the latest developments. You can join online forums, attend conferences, and contribute to open-source Java projects on GitHub.

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Java’s Myriad Applications

Many of you reading this article must also be wondering what is it used for. And indeed, the language’s versatility powers a variety of use cases:

1. Android App Development

Java played a prominent role in the early days of Android app development. Most apps use Kotlin now, but Java’s foundation is still under the hood.

2. Enterprise Applications

It is ideal for building large-scale enterprise applications used in banking, finance, healthcare, and other industries. These applications handle sensitive data and need reliability.

3. Web Applications

Java plays a role in developing simple web tools as well as complex e-commerce platforms. It adds speed and efficiency to the process of web development.

4. Big Data and Cloud Computing

It is not only platform independent but it can also handle large datasets, which makes it useful in big data processing and cloud-based applications.

5. Scientific Computing

Java can handle complex calculations, making it a suitable fit for scientific computing applications.

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