Java Definition | The Interactive Glossary

Java was designed to allow programmers to create applications that can run on any platform, regardless of the operating system, browser, or other parameters. Java is used in a number of development environments and for a number of applications, including:

• Applets – Java is used to develop special programs called applets that can be incorporated in web pages to make them interactive. Common applets include instant messaging programs, chat services, mathematical tool, and online games.
• JSP – Java Server Pages can be used to create dynamic web pages.
• Mobile Apps – Java is also the programming language used to develop mobile apps for the Android and Blackberry platforms.

Also See: Advanced Web Tools, App, Applet

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special software to run Java?

Since most desktop web browsers support Java, there is no need to install additional software to enable Java on your computer. However, in order to keep your system updated and secure, it’s a good idea to make sure you have the latest version of Java installed. The latest version can be downloaded for free from Java’s website.

Can I run java applets on any device?

Many mobile devices do not support applets, because they utilize too much of a device’s system resources. In order to optimize the web experience on a mobile device, java plugins are typically not available for mobile browsers. This should not be a concern to most mobile users, however, as many of these web applets are also available as a mobile app, via your device’s app store. Native mobile apps will run much more efficiently than a web-based applet, and they require significantly less system resources to do so. Because of this restriction, java-based web applets have also become much less popular than they once were, making it even less likely that this restriction will impact your web experience.

Can I use Java to develop for other mobile devices?

Java is the primary programming language used for developing apps on a number of mobile platforms, including smartphones and traditional mobile phones. It is not, however, the primary language used to develop apps for iOS or Windows Phone. Thankfully, there are a number of cross-platform development tools that are designed to allow you to easily port your code for one mobile operating system to another. While not always perfect, they make it possible for developers to easily create applications that can be available to nearly all smartphone users, and the technology continues to improve.