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What is Java?
Java is a programming language developed from Sun Microsystems in 1991. You can think of it as a simpler version of C++ (another programming language). It is an object-oriented programming language, meaning that the focus is on creating "objects" (a program is not just a set of actions! It's like an object that does the actions).
Platforms
A platform is a framework that allows software to run. While platforms can be operating systems or hardware structures, Java comes with its own platform, making it able to run on virtually anything (operating systems, cell phones, etc.).
The Java Platform is everything needed to run Java on a particular system. Most people have a Java Runtime Environment (JRE), a segment of the Java Platform meant for running Java applications, not creating them. It includes a Java API (Application Programming Interface) and a Java Virtual Machine (see Basics tutorial). However, you'll need a JDK (Java Development Kit) to program yourself, because it includes the ability to compile your own code into bytecode (again, see Basics tutorial).
Each version of the platform is slightly different in that it carries a different set of libraries and functions. These are the variables you can create and the tasks you get your program to do (you'll understand as you read more tutorials).
There are many different Java platforms, such as the Java SE (standard edition), EE (enterprise edition), and ME (micro edition - for phones and handheld devices). All Java tutorials written in this web site will be using Java SE version 6.0.
Java IDEs
All programs you write will be written in an IDE, or integrated development environment. This just means the visual interface where you write your programs. They also rely on the Java Platform you have installed to help you to compile, run, and debug your code. There are many different choices of IDE's, and all of them are perfectly acceptable. Your choice of IDE is based on personal preference. Some popular IDEs include NetBeans IDE from Sun Microsystems, JCreator, and Eclipse. All Java tutorials written in this web site will be using the Eclipse IDE.
Advantages of Java
Java has this concept of Write Once, Run Anywhere. This means that you can run a Java program on any computer as long as you have a Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which can be downloaded for free. No more worrying about whether your program will run on a Mac or PC!
There are a few other advantages of Java, such as security features (Java is not able to spread viruses and damage hardware) and performance (the time the program takes to execute, the faster the better).
How to Install
There are two ways to install everything you need. If you want to install the Sun Microsystems IDE, choose option A. Otherwise, if you want to choose your own IDE, like Eclipse or JCreator, pick option B.
| Option A |
| 1. |
Download a Java Development Kit (JDK). The JDK from Sun Microsystems includes everything you need to start programming in Java. Uses the NetBeans IDE. (Click on the 3rd download) |
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| 2. |
Install the files, and program away! Follow the directions indicated on the Sun Microsystems site, and you're ready to go. |
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| Option B |
| 1. |
Download a Java Development Kit (JDK). The JDK from Sun Microsystems includes everything you need to start programming in Java. Uses the NetBeans IDE. (Click on the 1st download) |
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| 2. |
Download an IDE. Take your pick! There's lots out there. Two that come highly recommended are Eclipse and JCreator. |
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| 3. |
Install the files, and program away! Follow the directions indicated on the Sun Microsystems site, and you're ready to go. |
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