What is Java

Much as in human languages, where we find different human or natural languages (English, French, German, etc.), in the world of programming, there are many options and many languages available. 

• • Java is one of the many available computer programming languages. 

  • It is programming language that can help us provide a set of instructions for computers to execute actions. 

  • Instructions written in a programming language, are normally translated into Machine code (the computers' language), and interpreted by the processor into actions. 

Why Java?

The Java Programming Language

The Java programming language is a high-level language that can be characterized by some of the many descriptors such as

• • Simple (Written in english-like language structure)

  • Object oriented

  • Dynamic

  • Architecture neutral or Platform independent

Java Structure

Java is an Object Oriented Programming Language, which means that 

• • Java programs are build in an organised structure that allows for modularity. 

  • Code in Java is organised in small modules called methods. Methods that work together are grouped in a Class. Classes related to each other are grouped in Packages. 

  • A Java application starts with a Java Project that can be comprised of one or more Packages, classes and methods.

Java Programming Language & the Compiling process 

• • All source code is first written in plain text files ending with the .java extension. 

  • The java source codes are written by Java programmers following the Java rules and syntax. 

  • The source code are written in english-like structure, thus easy for humans to write and understand.

  • Those source files are then compiled into .class files by the javac compiler.

  • A .class file does not contain code that is native to your processor; it instead contains bytecodes — the machine language of the Java Virtual Machine (Java VM). 

  • The java launcher tool then runs your application with an instance of the Java Virtual Machine.