What is Java used for? Learn about its Applications
Are you new in the field of Java development? Then, you might not be aware of its uses as a popular programming language. Java is an object-oriented language that is primarily used to simplify code reading, writing, and learning. Java can be used to create a wider range of software programs for website applications. Therefore, for any developer who is looking to make waves in the IT industry, learning Java is of utmost importance.
Moreover, due to its growing versatility, the demand for Java developers is on a steep upward curve. Uses of Java Programming language are not limited to desktop, mobile, or other applications. Instead, it can also be used to create financial and trading systems, e-commerce platforms, and improved healthcare systems. Additionally, Java has been used for the last 25 years. Thus, having a thorough understanding of what Java programming language is used for could be a great way to start. Learn the history of Java programming language.
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What will the use of Java be like in 2024?
The uses of Java programming language range far and wide as it is considered one of the most popular programming languages. Some of its most popular use cases or applications in 2024 have been discussed below:
1. Mobile application development
With the continuous rise in smartphone usage, mobile application development has become an integral part of software development. When it comes to designing mobile applications, Java is the most popular programming language. Being a mobile user yourself, you might already know that Android is the most popular operating system worldwide.
Almost 80% of smartphones currently functional across the world are run on the Android operating system. Moreover, Java is also used in creating certain cross-platform mobile applications like Xamarin and PhoneGap.
2. Enterprise application development
Yet another renowned use of Java programming is tied to the development of large-scale enterprise applications. Banking and finance systems, healthcare systems, and supply chain management systems are a few examples of enterprise application development.
Some of the Java frameworks that are used for developing such applications are JavaServer Faces, Java Persistence API, and Java Message Service. Additionally, it can be used for customer relationship management, human resource management, and other similar systems.
3. Web Application Development
When it comes to web application development, Java is one of the most commonly used programming languages. It is used in the creation of e-commerce websites, social media platforms, enterprise systems, and plenty more.
To access such website applications developed through Java programming languages, you need to use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Moreover, you might have heard about Spotify, the popular music streaming platform that is used by millions of users.
In those applications, It has played an integral role as part of its programming languages. Even the highly controversial social media platform X (Formerly Twitter) is also Java-based.
4. Desktop applications
While being on the topic of where Java is used, it can be utilized for developing applications that primarily run on desktops. Being a desktop application, it is a program that can only be installed and run on computers. Most importantly, it can seamlessly run on your computer’s operating system while not consuming any Internet or requiring a connection.
One of the most popular desktop applications, Nasa World Wind, has been completely written through Java. This open-source tool is used in the thorough analysis of weather patterns, visualization of cities, and other applications.
5. Internet of Things (IoT)
Java is one of the few programming languages that has seen increased usage in the development of IoT applications. When it comes to the development of Internet of Things applications, you are required to have lightweight and scalable software solutions.
Therefore, Java frameworks like Eclipse IoT, Kura, and ThingWorx are a few renowned choices that are used in the development of IoT applications.
6. Game development
Yet another popular use case of Java is related to the development of desktop and mobile games. Some popular game engines that are used to develop such games are LibGDX and jMonkeyEngine.
Each of those game engines is built on the Java programming language. Some of the chart-busting games that have been till now developed through Java include Minecraft and Clash of Clans.
Moreover, many game development companies rely on Java developers to help in creating game development engines.
7. Embedded systems
Interestingly, Java programming language is also used for the development of embedded systems. Talking about embedded systems, it is a specific category of computer that serves a special purpose.
Embedded systems can be found in Televisions, cars, airplanes, and mobile phones. The most popular Java-programmed embedded system consists of Android operating systems.
Advantages of Using a Java-based Platform
Java has not become a popular program without showing its share of strength compared to other languages. Therefore, as a beginner in Java development, you need to understand its strengths while being a platform.
1. Independent use-case
When talking about the advantages of a Java-based platform, its biggest strength comes from its ability to run across different operating systems and hardware.
Compared to other programming languages, it doesn’t require any modifications in its code. However, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) must be present on the platform to translate Java code into bytecode for the system to understand.
2. Well-documented
Jave, being an open-source programming language, makes it a free-to-use platform for everyone. Due to its good documentation, any issue that you face on the Java platform can be rectified by assessing its user manual. It also has one of the largest communities, which makes it even easier to solve issues.
3. Object-orientation
One of the special features that has made Java hugely popular among developers is its object-oriented language. This means it is specially designed to understand object concepts, data, and methods.
The object-oriented language feature makes the work of developers easier in writing and maintaining complex software.
4. Robust and versatile
The initial target behind the development of Java programming language was to make it robust and versatile. Being a robust language, Java can easily handle errors while handling exceptions exceptionally.
Due to its versatility, Java programming-based platforms can be operating across different devices seamlessly. Moreover, due to a special mechanism, it can manage memories pretty effectively while reducing the chances of crashes or memory leakages.
5. Growing community
Java has one of the largest communities and is mostly active throughout the world. Therefore, any IT developer who is looking to achieve greater targets in their professional career. For them, learning how to use Java should be on their list of priorities.
In using Java, you would be using a wealth of resources that comprises libraries, frameworks, tools for Java developers, and other components to help speed up development.
6. Improved scalability
Another quality that makes Java a widely popular programming language is its scalability. Therefore, it can efficiently upscale itself while handling complex algorithms and large systems comprehensively.
Due to its scalability feature, Java can be used in the development of enterprise-level applications, such as e-commerce websites and supply-chain management systems.
7. Increased compatibility
Java has a highly recognized backward compatibility policy that enables older applications written through codes to be easily run on newer systems. Thus, you wouldn’t have to make any changes or modifications in its code, which makes it a highly popular feature among other programming languages.
This means the platforms developed through Java would continue to perform for years down the line.
Why Java is used for Programming?
Until now, you might have understood the significance of Java and where it is used. Therefore, it must be time for you to gain an insight into why Java is renowned as a programming language. When it comes to developing networking applications efficiently, it is one of the first choices as a programming language.
Even for the development of mobile applications, games, websites, and enterprise software, Java is the number one choice. Due to its flexibility and portability, it has continued to perform exceptionally well across all devices.
Conclusion
IT developers who are looking for a simple, affordable, and versatile programming language. For them, relying upon Java could be a great choice. There are a plethora of advantages to using Java platforms.
Some of them have already been talked about in this article. Nonetheless, the future of Java programming language is looking strong, with lots of innovations just around the corner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. What is the main purpose of Java?
Java is used extensively to develop advanced software that can be operated across a variety of networks and web devices.
2. What are the applications of Java?
There are lots of applications, like web application services, big data, web development, data science, artificial intelligence, mobile app development, enterprise applications, and many more.
3. Why is Java coding considered important?
Compared to other programming languages, Java has significant advantages over others. It is virtually useful in making any programming task easily viable while being easy to learn for beginners.