What Is Java?

Java is a general-purpose, class-based, object-oriented programming language designed with minimal implementation dependencies. Java offers platform independence and extensive community support, which makes it one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. It was first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995.

What Is Java Used For?

Java is a general-purpose programming language used for developing software applications, Android apps, server-side technology and more.

Java is one of the most widely used programming languages, designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible to allow compiled Java code the ability to run on all platforms that support Java, without the need for recompilation. 

Due to Java’s expansive support and object-oriented capabilities, it’s used for a wide range of purposes, such as web-based applications that run on server-side Java technologies, Android applications and analytic data processing. Java offers a high degree of versatility due to its platform independence, and has continually adapted over the years to remain consistent with developer demands.

On the other hand, highly efficient and recently developed languages have emerged to replace Java for certain use cases. For example, Kotlin has largely replaced Java as the language used in Android application development.

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Is Java Still Popular?

Despite being more than 30 years old, Java remains one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. 

Countless programs have been written in Java since its creation, and that alone makes it an important language. According to a 2024 StackOverflow survey of professional developers, Java is the seventh most popular primary programming language, used by over 30 percent of respondents.

Going hand-in-hand with its ubiquity, Java has been widely used over many generations of software, which has allowed developers to continue updating their applications rather than having to rewrite their code in emerging languages. Java still sees widespread use in server-side development and enterprise systems. Android’s departure to Kotlin-first Android development, however, may present a challenge in maintaining Java’s longevity.

How Safe Is Java?

Many developers consider Java one of the safest programming languages, but security challenges still exist. 

Given Java’s widespread use, security vulnerabilities can arise when working with third-party Java applications — especially if they’re outdated or poorly maintained.

Java itself contains many built-in features to eliminate programming errors that may open up vulnerabilities, such as its type-safe design and automatic memory management that reduces the risk of having too many objects in memory. That said, developers must use secure coding principles like input validation, security audits and consistent code review to ensure application security.

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