Explaining Features of Java Programming Language

Since its launch in 1995, Java has become the most influential programming language, transforming the software development paradigm. Java offers developers a robust platform while maintaining easy accessibility as it remains the standard for multiple programming uses, thanks to its continuous response to technological needs. 

Java’s flexible features enable developers to create enterprise applications as well as mobile apps, web development structures, and embedded systems.

This article talks about the Key Features of Java, explaining its major Java Buzzwords, and highlights some of the popular Java-based programs.

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Key Features and Characteristics of Java

Simple and Familiar:

• The developers who used the C++ programming language found it easy to learn Java since its syntax matched C++’s structure.
• The simple syntax structure helps developers maintain less complex projects that minimize mistakes and improve overall work efficiency.

// Simple Java Example
public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
    }
}

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP):

• Java implements an object-oriented framework based on encapsulation, including inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction to achieve modular and reusable code.
• Facilitates easier maintenance and scalability of applications.

// Example of Inheritance and Polymorphism
class Animal {
    void sound() {
        System.out.println("Animal makes a sound");
    }
}

class Dog extends Animal {
    void sound() {
        System.out.println("Dog barks");
    }
}

public class TestInheritance {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Animal a = new Dog();
        a.sound();
    }
}

Understand OOP Concepts in Java with Examples

Platform Independent (“Write Once, Run Anywhere”):

• Java programs become bytecode through compilation, and this bytecode works on any device containing the Java Virtual Machine.
• Multiple operating systems become accessible to Java programs through its cross-platform compatibility aspect.

Read in Detail: Why is Java Platform Independent?

Robust and Secure:

• Stable memory management features, along with automatic garbage collection and robust exception handling capabilities of Java, result in its robust nature.
• Security remains high because bytecode verification, together with sandbox execution environments, protects the system.

Multithreading:

• Java processes multiple threads while boosting application performance and responsiveness.
• Java’s internal synchronization tools deal with the demanding aspects that stem from running tasks simultaneously.

// Example of Multithreading
class MyThread extends Thread {
    public void run() {
        System.out.println("Thread is running");
    }
}

public class ThreadExample {
    public static void main(String args[]) {
        MyThread t1 = new MyThread();
        t1.start();
    }
}

Read more about Multithreading in Java

High Performance:

• Java implements Just-In-Time (JIT) compilers which execute bytecode translation into native machine code throughout runtime execution to boost performance.
• Java finds applications in high-performance computing situations, which encompass enterprise-level applications and large-scale web servers.

Distributed Computing:

• Java provides simplified application development for networking through its embedded support of distributed computing features such as Remote Method Invocation (RMI) and Java Database Connectivity (JDBC).
• The platform provides a system for joining distributed systems while maintaining smooth operational communication.

Dynamic and Extensible:

• This attribute enables programs to monitor execution conditions at runtime and dynamically acquire additional classes or methods for execution contingencies.
• Facilitates easy integration of third-party libraries and extensions.

Prepare with the most commonly asked Java interview questions to help you stand out in job interviews.

Java Buzzwords Explained

Java Virtual Machine (JVM):

• An abstract computing machine enabling Java bytecode execution across diverse platforms.
• Java’s portability receives support and built-in security elements from the abstraction of the computer.

Java Runtime Environment (JRE):

• Java applications need the JVM combined with their necessary runtime libraries to work at runtime.

Java Development Kit (JDK):

• Java applications need this toolkit for development purposes, which contains JRE, JVM, compiler, debugger, and further built-in tools.

Just-In-Time Compiler (JIT):

• The platform compiles Java bytecode into machine code that runs during execution in order to maximize speed and performance.

Automatic Garbage Collection:

• The automatic memory deallocation system frees space occupied by unused objects to prevent the memory leaks that arise from manual memory management practices.

Exception Handling:

• The error handling mechanism structures runtime condition control and enhances program stability to handle unexpected situations efficiently.

// Example of Exception Handling
public class ExceptionDemo {
    public static void main(String args[]) {
        try {
            int data = 100 / 0;
        } catch (ArithmeticException e) {
            System.out.println(e);
        }
        System.out.println("Rest of the code");
    }
}

Read More: Exception Handling in Java with Examples

API Richness:

• Java offers developers a broad collection of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that facilitate simplified programming tasks throughout networking domains, security categories, and data processing needs.

Lambda Expressions and Functional Interfaces (Java 8):

• Introduces functional programming capabilities, allowing concise and expressive code through lambda expressions.

// Example of Lambda Expression
import java.util.*;

public class LambdaExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        List<String> names = Arrays.asList("John", "Jane", "Joe");
        names.forEach(name -> System.out.println(name));
    }
}

Streams API (Java 8):

• The data sequence manipulation system becomes easier to use through processing streamlining operations, which improves readability and simplifies data operations.

Modules (Project Jigsaw) (Java 9):

• Improves software modularity by clearly defining component boundaries, resulting in better maintainability and scalability.

Records and Pattern Matching (Java 14 onwards):

• The new language features enable a simpler definition of record classes while enhancing pattern match expressions to provide code that is both more readable and compact.

Popular Java-based Programming Languages

Scala:

• The programming language unites OOP features with functional programming elements through its brief coding syntax and its strong capabilities for concurrent execution.

Kotlin:

• The modern programming language supports Java interoperability while providing minimalistic code syntax that reduces repetitive sections; it has official backing for creating Android apps.

Groovy:

• It functions as a dynamic language that functions with Java Syntax and specializes in script automation.

Clojure:

• A Lisp dialect designed for JVM that focuses on immutability while also handling concurrency and simplicity requirements.

Conclusion

Java characteristics and buzzwords enable developers to use the platform strengths successfully when building applications that combine security with robustness and scalability and high-performance features. A developer can develop advanced skills in modern software development through the mastery of Java-based languages, which include Scala, Kotlin, Groovy, and Clojure.