I want to thank you and congratulate you for downloading the book, Java: Learn Java With Ultimate Zero to Hero Programming Crash Course for Beginners .
This book contains proven steps and strategies on how to use Java and be a programming expert in no time. This book will help beginners to know and understand what Java is, what it can do, and how to make the most out of the program.
Understanding Java opens up a whole new world for you as Java is in the heart of todays programming, from laptops to supercomputers, from mobile phones to gaming consoles. Even the Internet uses Java as applications and websites need Java to work. So even if you are not into computer programming, you will still need it in your online activities.
For beginners, programming language can get a bit overwhelming. With all the terms and the strings of characters, one can easily get lost. Fortunately, this book is all you need to get started and easily navigate this programming software.
Chapter 1 Java Basics
Java is a computing platform and a programming language that has lots of applications. This programming and computing software is present everywhere. It is in all kinds of computers and data centers, including the simple laptop. Mobile devices like tablets and cell phones all use Java. The Internet, too, uses Java for its operations. In fact, Java is at the core of nearly every kind of networked application.
Installing Java in a device allows the user to chat on the Internet, play games online, and view 3D images. It is integral in programs that allow computations such as mortgage interest computations and simple arithmetic. It is also the foundation of various corporate computing needs such as e-business solutions and intranet applications.
What is the origin of Java?
A team from Sun Microsystems led by a man named James Gosling developed this computer programming language in the early 1990s. The original design was intended to be used on cellular phones, set-top boxes, and other digital mobile devices. The programming language was originally named OAK. The first version failed to attract a substantial patronage, which prompted the company to make some modifications. The language was modified to cater to the Internet and the name was changed into Java as it is called today. In 1996, Java 1.0 was made available to the public. This public release shifted its main use from use on mobile devices to use on the burgeoning Internet.
Who uses Java?
Java is also the global standard in embedded and mobile applications development and delivery. It is also the standard in web-based contents, enterprise and games. About 97% of enterprises operated in desktops run on Java. In the US alone, about 89% of computers or desktops also operate using the Java program.
More than 9 million developers are using Java for all applications and services needed. Worldwide, an astounding 3 billion mobile phones also use Java for its core operations and applications. All Blu-ray disc players are equipped with the Java program. About 125 million TV devices use Java in their fundamental operations. Java cards reaching a whopping 5 billion are currently in use. All of the Top 5 original manufacturers of various electrical equipment ship the Java ME. These figures show just how widespread Java use is.
Java provided users with more interactivity. This allowed developers to produce webpages that are animated, which increased websites appeal to online users. With the passing of the years, Java evolved into a worldwide success. Its use expanded to included applications and services that went beyond Internet use. Even after more than a decade since it was released to the public, Java remains popular. As of today, about 6.5 billion developers worldwide are using it, from simple desktop applications to complex, sensitive scientific supercomputers.
The modifications include a simplification of the C++ programming language. A few language features were eliminated, which reduced a lot of common programming errors.
Java uses source code files, which are files that use a .java extension name. These source code files are assembled and grouped together by a compiler and formatted into a bytecode. A bytecode is a file that has a .class extension, which a Java interpreter executes. All Java codes that were compiled are able to run on any computer because of VMs or Java Virtual Machines. These are runtime environments and Java interpreters present in most operating systems such as Windows, Macintosh OS and UNIX. Bytecodes may be directly converted by JIT (just-in-time compiler) into machine language instructions.
Key Principles of using Java
The Java design incorporated 4 key principles, namely, ease of use, reliability, security, and platform independent.
Ease of Use
The basics of Java originated from C++, which is a powerful programming language. However, its syntax is considered as very complex. Java built on the C++ language and improved on it. The result is a powerful yet simple programming platform.
Reliability
One of the main principles in the development of Java was to reduce the possibility of making common programming errors that may seriously hinder efficient program function. To eliminate common programming mistakes, Java introduced a programming method that is object oriented. Data and its methods of manipulation were conveniently packaged in one place. This technique made Java programming more robust and reliable.
Security
Java, as previously mentioned, was originally developed for mobile devices expected to exchange data over various networks. This function required high level security measures, which Java was able to provide. To date, Java is highly considered as the most secure of all programming languages available.
Platform independent
Java is a portable language. It does not discriminate across various platforms. This means that it works perfectly fine and consistent regardless of whatever type of hardware or what operating system is present.
Advantages of Using Java for Software Development
Java is a computer programming language that has been honed, improved, refined, tested, extended and proven through the years. A dedicated community involving enthusiasts, as well as Java developers and architects all work together to help the language able to meet the various and changing needs of software developers and users. It is able to perform the widest range of functions, across numerous platforms, and provide the highest performance. These key characteristics enable users such as businesses to provide better and wider ranges of services. These boost the productivity of end-users, as well as collaboration and communication (mainly from its platform independent characteristic). These also immensely reduce the costs involved in owning consumer and enterprise applications.
To software developers, Java provides the following major benefits:
Software can be written in one kind of platform and have it run in practically any other different platform with the same, consistent function
Programs created using Java can be run within any web browser and can be used to access any available web services
Java can be used for development of server-side applications that can be used for online polls, store, forums, processing of HTML forms, among many others.