Java Basics

Java is a popular programming language as well as a platform. It was first introduced in 1995 by Sun MicroSystems.

Java can be used to develop standalone (Desktop) application, mobile application, web application, applets, games, etc.

Java SE, Java EE and Java ME are the various edition available to develop applications in java.

Significant features:

·         Java is a high level programming language.

·         Java follows Object Oriented Programming concept.

·         Java is platform independent as it is Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA) programming language.        (Learn why?)

·         Java is a multi-threaded programming language.

·         Java is secure, robust and portable.

Previous Versions: You don’t need to remember each one of them. Only the difference between any two consecutive versions that is marked in bold needs to be known. It may be asked during interviews.

• JDK Alpha and Beta (1995)
• JDK 1.0 (23rd Jan, 1996)
• JDK 1.1 (19th Feb, 1997)
• J2SE 1.2 (8th Dec, 1998)
• J2SE 1.3 (8th May, 2000)
• J2SE 1.4 (6th Feb, 2002)
• J2SE 5.0 (30th Sep, 2004)
• Java SE 6 (11th Dec, 2006)
• Java SE 7 (28th July, 2011)

Latest Version:

·         Java SE 8 is the latest version of java.

Requirements to get started:

·         Install the JDK in case you don’t have it on your System.

·         Install an editor like Eclipse, Netbeans, or any other as per your choice. (All the example in this tutorial is programmed on Eclipse)

·         Set path and Classpath

Let’s get started with our first Java Program.