Java Reference
In-Depth Information
interpreted , robust , secure , architecture neutral , portable , high performance , multi-
threaded , and dynamic. For the anatomy of Java characteristics, see www.cs.armstrong.edu/
liang/JavaCharacteristics.pdf .
Java is a full-featured, general-purpose programming language that can be used to develop
robust mission-critical applications. Today, it is employed not only for Web programming but
also for developing standalone applications across platforms on servers, desktop computers,
and mobile devices. It was used to develop the code to communicate with and control the
robotic rover on Mars. Many companies that once considered Java to be more hype than sub-
stance are now using it to create distributed applications accessed by customers and partners
across the Internet. For every new project being developed today, companies are asking how
they can use Java to make their work easier.
The World Wide Web is an electronic information repository that can be accessed on the
Internet from anywhere in the world. The Internet, the Web's infrastructure, has been around
for more than forty years. The colorful World Wide Web and sophisticated Web browsers are
the major reason for the Internet's popularity.
Java initially became attractive because Java programs can be run from a Web browser.
Such programs are called applets. Applets employ a modern graphical interface with but-
tons, text fields, text areas, radio buttons, and so on, to interact with users on the Web and
process their requests. Applets make the Web responsive, interactive, and fun to use. Applets
are embedded in an HTML file. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a simple scripting
language for laying out documents, linking documents on the Internet, and bringing images,
sound, and video alive on the Web. Today, you can use Java to develop rich Internet appli-
cations. A rich Internet application (RIA) is a Web application designed to deliver the same
features and functions normally associated with deskop applications.
Java is now very popular for developing applications on Web servers. These applications
process data, perform computations, and generate dynamic Web pages. Many commercial
Websites are developed using Java on the backend.
Java is a versatile programming language: you can use it to develop applications for desk-
top computers, servers, and small handheld devices. The software for Android cell phones is
developed using Java.
1.21
Who invented Java? Which company owns Java now?
Check
1.22
What is a Java applet?
Point
1.23
What programming language does Android use?
1.6 The Java Language Specification, API, JDK, and IDE
Java syntax is defined in the Java language specification, and the Java library is
defined in the Java API. The JDK is the software for developing and running Java
programs. An IDE is an integrated development environment for rapidly developing
programs.
Key
Point
Computer languages have strict rules of usage. If you do not follow the rules when writing a
program, the computer will not be able to understand it. The Java language specification and
the Java API define the Java standards.
The Java language specification is a technical definition of the Java programming
language's syntax and semantics. You can find the complete Java language specification at
http://docs.oracle.com/javase/specs/ .
The application program interface (API) , also known as library , contains predefined
classes and interfaces for developing Java programs. The API is still expanding. You can
view and download the latest version of the Java API at http://download.java.net/jdk8/docs/api/ .
Java language specification
API
library
 
 
 
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