Java

Originally known as oak, Java is an object-oriented programming language developed by James Gosling and others at Sun Microsystems. It was introduced to the public in 1995 and is widely used to create Internet applications and other software. Today, Java is maintained and owned by Oracle.

When used on the Internet, Java allows applets to be downloaded and used through a browser, enabling the browser to perform a function or feature not normally available. Unlike JavaScript, the users must download or install the applet or program before utilizing the Java program.

The Java applet example below from Sun helps test if Java is installed on your computer. If Java is installed on your computer, additional information about the installed Java version and your operating system is displayed. If nothing is displayed, Java is not installed on your computer, or the Java plug-in for your browser is disabled or not installed.

Java is also used as the programming language for many different programs, games, and add-ons. Some examples of the more widely used programs written in Java or that use Java include the Adobe Creative suite, Eclipse, Lotus Notes, Minecraft, OpenOffice, Runescape, and Vuze.

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