What is JAVA used for?
Java is one of the most widely used programming languages for application development. Due to its reliability and ease, Java as a scripting language is used to create the most dynamic web pages. For any aspiring programmer, Java is the first language taught in a coding program.
In this article, we will talk about the different ways Java is used, the pros and cons of the programming language, and how important it is.
The main motto of Java is “write once and run anywhere.” It was created in 1991 under a project called “Oak,” but it was released to the public in 1995. Since then, it has become the fastest-growing and most-used programming language in the software world.
It is not a secret that Java was influenced by two other widely used languages: C and C++. C++ was the language of choice in introductory CS courses for a long time, and its popularity ensured that it would remain in use even today. Having learned C++, they would be more equipped to tackle Java.
Why use Java?
Programmers won’t have any trouble picking up Java. Most individuals go with Java training when asked to choose their first programming language. In addition, Java’s widespread use in business settings continues today. Java is still widely used for government, healthcare, military, and educational websites and apps. Therefore, it is beneficial to study and use Java.
What applications does Java Support?
We have summarized the number of applications where Java is used. Next, we will explore the applications in detail.
Android Smartphone Apps
Most Android apps are written in Java, making them the official language for Android development. Even though Kotlin has become an excellent alternative to Java for developing Android apps, it still runs on the Java Virtual Machine and works with Java programs. But if you know how to code in Java, you will have a leg up in Android development.
Desktop applications
Developing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for desktop programs is another area of expertise for Java developers. The abundance of readily-accessible Java Frameworks simplifies GUI Application Development. So, again, Java is an excellent choice.
Java frameworks such as Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT), Swing, and JavaFX provide developers with pre-built components such as buttons, menus, and form fields to create feature-rich desktop applications.
Web Applications
Originally, java’s popularity grew as a web development language due to its ability to create applets that could be executed in a web browser. However, Java technologies such as Struts, Servlets, and JSP have largely replaced Applets as the preferred method for developing complex online applications.
This is why Java is often referred to as a server-side language. As a result of these technological advancements, we may create new and valuable programs. Spring, Hibernate, and Spring Boot are the most widely used frameworks for building web-based applications. Many well-known companies’ websites, such as LinkedIn, AliExpress, web.archive.org, IRCTC, etc., are developed in Java.
Game development
Java is popular among gaming studios because it is compatible with the industry’s most potent open-source 3D engine. Tetris, The Sims 3, Space Invaders, Street Fighter II, and Contra are a few examples of video games developed using Java. Minecraft, one of the most popular Java games, was created by a lone programmer. In addition, game developers use it because there are no licensing fees attached to it.
Big Data
Despite the proliferation of other options, Java remains the preferred language for Big Data technology. Data scientists use Spark for various big data tasks, including stream processing and machine learning analytics. Hadoop is a Java framework that aids in processing massive datasets by data scientists. Java is commonly used in ETL systems for big data, including Apache Camel and Apache Kafka. In addition, it is used in large data settings for data extraction and transformation purposes.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system that enables two-way communication between all of the devices that make up a given network. Nearly every modern electronic appliance, from medical gadgets to cellphones to wearables to smart lights to TVs, is now equipped with Internet of Things features.
Java is one of the most popular IoT languages since it can function on various devices. Several languages are used to create an IoT application, but Java’s stable, adaptable, and versatile nature makes it a popular choice among Internet of Things programmers.
Cloud-Based Applications
Cloud-based apps rely significantly on Java as well. Many businesses take advantage of its affordable price and widespread adoption to provide SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS offerings in the cloud. An everyday use case for cloud computing is facilitating data sharing between businesses or software-distant development.
Enterprise Applications
Enterprise applications, network tools, and web services can all be written in Java and operate on the Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE) platform, which includes an application programming interface (API) and a runtime environment.
With its robust features and outstanding performance, Java is the go-to language for creating corporate programs. In addition, Java improves programs’ power, security, scalability, and speed.
Conclusion
As you can see, this popular language is helpful in many applications, and a sizable community and a wealth of resources back it.
Due to its robust nature, scalability, and performance, Java’s popularity continues to grow among major brands. Java has widespread applicability and is utilized in a wide variety of domains. Large financial institutions like Citigroup, Barclays, etc., employ Java-based applications. Amazon, a massive online retailer, runs its business on Java-based software.
So however big or small the application is, Java can run on a single computer or a distributed system. Hence, it is essential for you as a developer to learn and understand the programming concepts to build complete applications with Java.
