Java is one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in existence. GitHub’s 2018 Year in Review survey ranked it as the second-most popular language among programmers.
The language is used by many of the largest Fortune 500 companies and dedicated Java development companies to build powerful desktop applications like the LMAX stock trading program. Engineers also use Java for mobile Android apps, server-side applications, and web development.
Corporations and developers alike prize Java because it is very user-friendly and easy to learn for novice programmers and those experienced in other languages. It is also an object-oriented language, which makes it easier to build programs and reduces the length of the software development lifecycle.
Engineers also value the fact that coding in Java is platform-independent. This allows them to write a single set of code that will function across multiple operating systems. Finally, developers can easily integrate security features into applications using Java, and the language’s active community means that the language will continue to evolve.
In summary, Java is useful for software development because:
- It is very user-friendly and has a gentle learning curve.
- Object-oriented programming makes software easier to design and increases productivity.
- The language is platform-independent so code can be used across a variety of operating systems.
- Java enables developers to easily build security features into web applications.
- Has a strong community and institutional support from Oracle.
1. User-Friendly
Java is a very user-friendly programming language. It’s a high-level language that uses simple syntax and closely resembles the English language. That’s one reason why novice developers often gravitate towards it.
It also uses syntax similar to C++, making it easy for experienced developers with a background in C to learn. It’s also simpler than C++ because it utilizes garbage collection and automates memory management.
Java’s code itself is also much easier to read than other popular programming languages. Oracle’s chief Java architect stated that “the core values of the language, and the platform, are readability and simplicity.”
The language’s straightforward, intuitive approach to writing code is one of the strongest selling points for Java as a novice programmer’s first language.
2. Object-Oriented Programming
Java is one of several object-oriented programming (OOP) languages, including Python, Ruby, and C++. This computing approach uses objects to compartmentalize data. It then uses class declarations, or methods, to describe object contents and actions.
OOP uses a combination of abstraction, encapsulation, polymorphism, and data hiding to alleviate many of the problems associated with procedural programming.
This type of approach protects code from being accessed by other code that is defined as a different class. Controlling access to codes and data prevents errors and makes the entire software more stable.
Finally, abstraction simplifies the development process and makes it easier for engineers to quickly comprehend code. That’s because the point of view naturally hides unnecessary details, like how an object accomplishes its task.
3. Platform Independent
By far, the single most important benefit associated with Java is the ability to write platform-independent code. This means that developers can write code that will function properly on any operating system. This saves programmers valuable time since they do not have to write separate code for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
Java is platform-independent because it uses a compiler to translate code. This compiler takes the high-level language used by Java and translates it into machine-level language that the system can understand. In essence, it translates source code into executable code.
Other programming languages, like C and C++, are platform dependent. This means that developers must write a different set of code for each operating system the software is designed to run on.
4. Built for Security
Data privacy experts love Java because it comes with a range of cybersecurity features, such as a secure run environment and configurable security levels, right out-of-the-box.
In particular, Java’s ability to run untrusted code in a secure environment allows developers to test snippets without risk. That’s because the unique environment prevents the code from reading and writing files or infecting the system with a virus.
Developers can also assign specific security levels to code. By doing so, programmers can ensure that any Java code can be run with specific permissions, preventing data breaches down the line. This makes Java outsourcing less risky since in-house programmers can easily define permissions according to the code’s source.
Java also comes standard with static data typing, which reduces the potential for run-time detection errors. Since variables do not need to be defined before being used, it leads to stronger performance at run-time.
Finally, the language’s extensive Java Cryptographic Architecture including important security features like digital signatures, message authentication codes, and key generators. It also uses Provider-based implementations for cryptography.
5. Strong Developer Community & Institutional Support
Java is perhaps the most stable programming language out there. It was first released in 1995 and has been carefully maintained by Oracle for the past two and a half decades.
The company recently announced that Java will no longer undergo “major” releases. The company will now update the software twice a year. These updates are expected to be much smaller in scope than earlier major releases.
For Java developers, this means that the language will become even more stable. Oracle will continue to add new features biannually, but the foundation is expected to remain steady. This allows companies to plan far ahead since Java code that was written a decade ago still works seamlessly today.
In addition, engineers interested in learning more about the language will be pleased to know that Java’s developer community is among the most active and engaged in the tech world. There is also a wealth of useful libraries available to Java programmers.
In Summary
Java is a powerful, highly flexible programming language that allows developers to create desktop, mobile, and web applications with ease. It is used extensively by major corporations, including Uber, eBay, Airbnb, and more.
Major companies and Java development services prize the language because of its object-oriented design, which simplified the programming process and shortens the entire development lifecycle. It is also very user-friendly and comes with a gentle learning curve.
Java developers also appreciate the fact that the language is platform-independent and allows for the easy integration of data privacy protections. Finally, Java is supported by Oracle and has a vibrant developer community that ensures the language will be updated and useful in the future.
