What is java – easily explained
For certain programs to work in Windows, Java must be installed. But what exactly is Java? And do you still need that in Windows 10 today? We explain it here on GIGA.
Don’t confuse Java with Javascript!
What is java
Java consists of three elements. First of all, Java is one programming languagethat pupils and students get to know in computer science classes:
Java is one of the object-oriented Programming languages. This means that the associated program code is structured in classes and objects. For example, a object the great “Flower” can be created. The class defines which properties “flower” has: color, length, leaf shape. An object would then be a “tulip” with “color: yellow”, “length: 17 cm”, “leaf shape: pointed”. Java is now owned by Oracle. Java used to belong to the company “Sun Microsystems”. Java appeared in 1995 and is one of the most famous programming languages in the world. The programming languages “C ++”, “C #” and “Objective-C” in particular have influenced Java.
Example: The game “Minecraft” was programmed in Java.
Java also includes the “Java Development Kit“(JDK):
The JDK is a tool that contains a compiler. This converts the Java program code into machine code that can be understood by computers – the Java bytecode.
Example: The program code of “Minecraft” is converted into executable machine code.
The last thing to do with Java is Java runtime environment (Java Runtime Environment):
The Java runtime environment must be installed in order to start programs and apps programmed in Java. This means that every computer on which the Java runtime environment is installed can also run Java programs.
Example: The machine code of the game “Minecraft” is started in the Java runtime environment.
What can you do with Java?
With Java you can develop programs – for example write your own pocket calculator using lines of code. Programmers mainly use Java to develop apps, web and desktop applications. For example, the game “Minecraft” was programmed in Java.
Is Java required for Windows 10?
Yes. For programs programmed in Java, you need Java or the Java runtime environment. Java is available for Windows, Linux and macOS. However, every manufacturer can develop their own runtime environments so that Java can also be used in cars and hi-fi systems.
