Java Introduction
What is Java, Where is it Used, and How it Works

What is Java?

Java is a high-level programming language.

Java was created by a company called Sun Microsystems, which is now part of Oracle. One of Java's biggest advantages is that you can write your code once and run it on any computer that supports Java — this is often described as "write once, run anywhere."

Why Should You Learn Java?

Java has stood the test of time. It’s not just a legacy language; it continues to thrive in areas such as:

• Web Applications – Enterprise apps powered by Java frameworks like Spring and Jakarta EE.
• Mobile Development – Android apps are primarily written in Java or Kotlin.
• Big Data – Hadoop and other big data tools often rely on Java.
• Banking & Finance – Java’s robustness and security make it ideal for transaction-heavy systems.
• Cloud & Distributed Systems – Java supports scalable backend development for cloud-native systems.

Java's Philosophy: WORA

One of Java’s core strengths is its mantra: Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA). This means the same Java program can run on any system that has a compatible JVM, regardless of operating system or hardware architecture.

Key Features of Java

Java isn’t just popular by accident. Here are some compelling features:

• Platform Independent: Bytecode runs on any device with a JVM.
• Object-Oriented: Everything in Java is an object.
• Secure: Java has strong memory management and no explicit pointer manipulation.
• Multithreaded: Java natively supports multithreading, making it excellent for performance.
• Robust: Java handles runtime errors gracefully and emphasizes compile-time error checking.

Prerequisites to Learn Java

Before learning Java, it's helpful to have a basic understanding of the following topics:

• Basic Computer Knowledge: Understanding how to use a computer, files, and folders.
• Logic and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to think logically and break down problems into steps.
• Basic Mathematics: Familiarity with simple math concepts like variables, operators, and expressions.
• Understanding of Programming Basics: (Optional but helpful) Knowledge of basic concepts like loops, conditions, and variables. You may refer to Programming Basics, where we focus on concepts rather than any specific language.
• Text Editor/IDE Usage: Knowing how to use tools like Notepad, VS Code, or IntelliJ IDEA to write and save code.

With this introduction, lets start your Java journey!