You may utilize the widely used programming language Java to develop a wide range of software applications. It’s an object-oriented language that is easy to learn and understand. But what is Java used for?
Millions of developers use it to build complex web apps as well as desktop applications. Because of this, having it is a valuable talent for anyone wishing to work in technology.
In June 1991, James Gosling developed Java as a project named “Oak.” Gosling wanted to create a virtual machine and language with a notation similar to C but more straightforward to use than C. The first version of Java for public use was in 1995 as Java 1.0. The creation of a language this particular one could “write once, run anywhere” was the main objective behind Java.
Continue reading and exploring to learn what is Java good for and much more in this fantastic blog.
Table of Contents
What is Java?
Java is both a podium/stage and a programming language. It is a powerful, object-oriented, safe, high-level programming language.
In 1995, Sun Microsystems, which is currently an Oracle company, began developing it. The man credited with founding Java is James Gosling. Its previous name was Oak. Oak was renamed Java by James Gosling and his colleagues since Oak was previously an official corporation. A platform is any piece of hardware or software that a program operates on.
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It can operate on the majority of operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Because Java is backward-compatible, updated earlier APIs or application programming interfaces can continue to function appropriately without compromising the implementation obtained via them. Thus, applications developed using previous versions will functionally run on subsequent ones. Code built with JDK 6 will, for example, function with JDK 8. Now, we will move to our core topic of “What is Java Used for.”
What is Java Used For?
As of 2024, Java remains one of the most widely used programming languages worldwide because of its wide range of potential applications and use cases. So, let us know what is Java programming used for in 2024.
Web Application Development
Web-based applications, such as e-commerce sites, social networking platforms, and enterprise-level structures, are using Java to develop. Popular Java frameworks for developing web applications include Spring, Struts, and Hibernate.
Ava offers web development features together with Servlets, Struts, Springtime, hibernate, JSPs, and other tools that make it simple to generate highly secure software.
A significant portion of the programming languages utilized to create the popular music streaming service Spotify was Java. Similarly, Twitter constitutes a Java-based social networking platform. Many major corporations are using it in the development of several famous online apps and platforms.
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Mobile Application Development
The preferred programming language for creating Android applications, which billions of users are using globally, is Java. Xamarin and Phone Gap are two technologies that have a used in the development of mobile apps for all platforms that employ Java.
A cross-platform framework called J2ME, facilitated by this language, allows developers to create mobile apps that function on both Java-enabled smartphones and feature-phone models.
Android is an extensively used mobile operating system that is built with the help of the Java-based Android SDK. Therefore, you must know what is Java used for in app development.
Since the release of smartphones, one of the most common uses of it has been in mobile app development. Running on Java, Android is the most popular mobile operating system worldwide. In addition, Android powers more than 80% of smartphones worldwide.
Gaming
Java is the primary programming language that drives popular game engines like LibGDX and jMonkeyEngine for creating mobile and desktop games.
One of the most common programming languages for creating video games is Java. You can use it to develop games in addition to desktop and mobile applications. The most well-known Java video games are Clash of Clans and Minecraft.
Game development businesses may also use it to create game engines besides games. A program called a game engine aids in the creation of video games. It comes with an audio engine, a graphics engine, and other necessary tools.
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Programming languages like C# and C++ serve their purpose in game development via game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity. Conversely, if you want to learn graphics and game creation from the bottom up, It is a fantastic option. Many frameworks and libraries, including OpenGL and LibGDX, are accessible.
Big Data
There exist several other popular programming languages, other than Python, which find use in Big Data. Nevertheless, most programmers still favor Java when it comes to Big Data Technology. This is because it is used by the majority of eminent Big Data technologies, like Hadoop and Deeplearning4j, and because it has excellent community support for Big Data technology.
In the software business today, big data is the most in-talk and in-demand issue. The analysis and systematic extraction of information from extensive, complex data collections is the focus of big data tools.
Hadoop is an open framework that is entirely a Java framework and has a close relation with big data. It outperforms competing technologies with features like memory distribution, automated garbage collection, and stack provisioning. It is reasonable to argue that Java represents the big data of the future. For big data, you must know what is Java used for in 2024.
Data scientists utilize Spark for many big data tasks, such as machine learning analysis and stream processing. Storm manages streams of data in real time. Built-in Java, these frameworks are all computer programs.
Applications of IoT
Many consider Java to be the most excellent programming language for creating Internet of Things devices. This is the result of many factors: It is primarily a platform-neutral programming language. It reduces your total effort because your code will function on several devices and you can create it only one time.
Because of its versatility and portability, it’s the ideal option for the Internet of Things. You can use it for a wide range of tasks, including desktop app creation, Android app development, web development, and more. Java makes it simpler to integrate many technologies than other programming languages. For these explanations, you can use it in embedded electronics, car navigation systems, and a variety of medical devices.
Java frameworks like ThingWorx, Kura, and Eclipse IoT are popular options for creating IoT applications.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of physical objects that communicate and share information online. Smart TVs, wearable technology, bright lighting, smartwatches, and more are among the gadgets.
There are several programming languages available for use in creating Internet of Things applications, but it gives developers a distinct advantage. It is a favorite programming language among IoT programmers due to its security, adaptability, and versatility.
Enterprise Application Development
Large-scale corporate applications, including supply chain management, healthcare, finance, and banking systems, are frequently developed using Java. Enterprise application development often uses frameworks like Java Server Faces (JSF), Java Persistence API (JPA), and Java Messaging Service (JMS).
Java is the preferred platform for creating corporate applications due to its robust features that yield excellent performance. It improves programs’ power, security, and scalability in addition to performance.
The Java language boasts the Java corporate Edition (Java EE) platform, which includes capabilities for the runtime environment and API for scripting and executing web services, network tools, and corporate software.
Almost 97% of corporate PCs are using Java, according to Oracle Because it enables quicker processing and improved performance, developers write the majority of corporate applications in Java.
It includes web services, network applications, and a scripting framework that streamlines the process of configuring a Java intranet.
Applications For Desktop Computers
Developing desktop computer programs is another usage of Java code. An app that you can install on your PC has the name of a desktop application. It doesn’t need an Internet connection to operate the operating system on your computer.
It was used to create the desktop version of NASA World Wind, a 3D visualization device for geographic analysis. It’s an open-source application that tracks vehicle traffic, visualizes cities, analyzes weather patterns, and more.
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Since its beginnings, desktop applications have been developed using Java. Its frameworks like AWT, Swing, and JavaFX provide pre-built elements like buttons, menus, and form fields to desktop application developers so they may create fully functional desktop apps. So, it is a terrific choice for you if you intend to design a desktop application.
Web Servers and Applications Servers
As of right now, the whole Java ecosystem has a ton of web servers and apps. The most popular web servers include Apache, the Tomcat application, Project Jigsaw, Rimfaxe Web Server (RWS), Jo!, etc.
In a similar vein, application servers such as WebSphere, JBoss, WebLogic, and so forth are driving the market.
Embedded Systems
Programming in Java creates embedded systems. One kind of computer with a defined function is an embedded system. Typically, it gets in automobiles, TVs, phones, and aircraft.
One of the most widely used embedded systems for Java is the Android operating system. As has already been said, Android is the most popular smartphone operating system worldwide. Billions of gadgets, such as wearables, tablets, and smartphones, use embedded systems.
Low-level systems that are a component of larger electromechanical systems serve embedded systems. These are subsequently referred to as integrated systems, and they are small chips, CPUs, etc.
Java is a superior language to use when creating low-level applications since it can create reliable tools that are quick and can manage application exceptions.
Financial Industry Server Applications
To execute their day-to-day operations, financial organizations such as banks and investors require a variety of software applications, including data processing, writing settlement and confirmation systems, front and back office digital trading systems, and more.
Developers generally write these tools in Java, allowing users to create server-side apps that take data from one server, process it, and then transfer the results to other servers or processes.
Java-based software solutions are used by the majority of top financial firms, including Barclays, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and others.
Top Companies Using Java
Java serves in the tech stacks of several businesses, including Spotify, Airbnb, Uber, Pinterest, Instagram, Google, and Netflix. To assist you in selecting the programming language that would work best for your next project, we have included a list of some businesses and their projects below.
- Google Android and Netflix
Netflix is a popular and sizable American entertainment company that provides streaming media for movies and TV shows. Java serves most of Netflix’s apps. With a little dose of C++, Java serves nearly exclusively in the development of the Android platform and Android TV apps.
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- NASA World Wind
NASA used Java to construct Word Wind, an entirely 3D virtual planet that shows geographic data. Through the use of images and aerial imagery from NASA spacecraft, it produces 3D models illustrating the planets.
It is an open-source, proprietary program with Java that works with all operating systems. The project makes use of the OpenGL API to produce 2D and 3D visuals that communicate with the GPU. Additionally, it uses the GPS plugin to display data in real-time, including earthquakes, hurricanes, clouds, and more. This software allows us to set visible layers and viewing angles, search for places using geographical names, and do a lot more.
- Minecraft
Java was a tool to create the popular computer game Minecraft. The Java edition of Minecraft comes with Java 1.8, which is what the game uses by default.
- Spotify
Java is in use by the popular audio streaming site Spotify to power its online application, log and stabilize, and send data. Spotify uses Java in its entire programming.
For its Gmail, Android applications, and Google Web Toolkit.
- Microsoft
To assist in the development of its Edge web browser and Visual Studio Code.
- eBay
To manage the website’s back-end.
- Meta
For Android mobile application development and back-end programming for its social networking networks, including Facebook and Instagram.
Conclusion
Java is still a popular and adaptable programming language that allows for a broad range of tasks, including developing corporate applications, games, IoT, AI, and ML, as well as online and mobile apps.
Because of its flexibility to operate across several platforms, its active community, and its availability of a multitude of frameworks and libraries in general, it is a popular choice among developers worldwide. Java uses a broad range of frameworks and technologies, which make it easier to learn.
Java’s versatility and portability have made it an essential part of many initiatives to develop software if you consider what is Java used for. Furthermore, Java’s cross-platform features enable programmers to write code that executes on any system that has the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed. Java offers an affordable solution for creating and implementing apps across several platforms. Comment below if you are thinking, “What can I do with Java .” Our team will surely assist you accordingly in every manner!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q#1 What Is Java Mostly Used For?
Although you may additionally use Java for creating front-end applications, Java serves primarily for back-end development. You can generate Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) using technologies like JavaFX and Swing, which makes Java an adaptable option for both back-end and front-end development.
Q#2 Should I Learn Java Or Python?
When choosing a beginning point, you ought to consider your objectives. Programmers with an interest in Android app development, cloud computing, big data, and web development frequently use Java. Python is the preferred language for people in machine learning, data science, back-end development, and app development.
Q#3 Is Java Hard To Learn?
The learning curve for Java is relatively high, particularly for newcomers. Compared to languages such as Python and Ruby, it is more complicated. Java is complex because of its object-oriented design and error-handling features. Gaining valuable programming skills can come from mastering Java’s intricacies.