Last Updated : 28 Mar 2026

Our Core Java programming tutorial is designed for students and working professionals. Java is an object-oriented, class-based, concurrent, secured and general-purpose computer programming language. It is a widely used robust technology.

What is Java?

Java is a programming language and a platform. Java is a high-level, robust, object-oriented and secure programming language.

Java was developed by Sun Microsystems (which is now a subsidiary of Oracle) in the year 1995. James Gosling is known as the father of Java. Before Java, its name was Oak. Since Oak was already a registered company, so James Gosling and his team changed the name from Oak to Java.

Platform: Any hardware or software environment in which a program runs is known as a platform. Since Java has a runtime environment (JRE) and API, it is called a platform.

Java Example

Let's have a quick look at the Java programming example. A detailed description of the Hello World! example is available on the next page.

Getting Started

Before diving into coding, we will need to set up your development environment. Java development typically requires the Java Development Kit (JDK), which includes the Java compiler and other essential tools. You can download the JDK from the official Oracle website and follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

Once we have the JDK installed, you can use a text editor or an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, or NetBeans to write and run your Java code. IDEs provide features such as code completion, debugging, and project management, making them invaluable tools for developers.

Application

According to Sun Microsystems, 3 billion devices run Java. There are various devices where Java is currently used. Some of them are as follows:

1. Desktop Applications such as Acrobat Reader, media player, antivirus, etc.
2. Web Applications such as irctc.co.in, tpointtech.com, etc.
3. Enterprise Applications such as banking applications.
4. Mobile
5. Embedded System
6. Smart Card
7. Robotics
8. Games, etc.

Types of Java Applications

There are the following 4-types of applications that can be created using Java programming:

1) Standalone Application

Standalone applications are also known as desktop applications or window-based applications. These are traditional software that we need to install on every machine. Examples of standalone applications are Media players, antivirus, etc. AWT and Swing are used in Java for creating standalone applications.

2) Web Application

An application that runs on the server side and creates a dynamic page is called a web application. Currently, Servlet, JSP, Struts, Spring, Hibernate, JSF, etc. technologies are used for creating web applications in Java.

3) Enterprise Application

An application that is distributed in nature, such as banking applications, etc. is called an enterprise application. It has advantages like high-level security, load balancing, and clustering. In Java, EJB is used for creating enterprise applications.

4) Mobile Application

An application that is created for mobile devices is called a mobile application. Currently, Android and Java ME are used for creating mobile applications.

Java Platforms / Editions

There are four platforms or editions of Java:

1) Java SE (Java Standard Edition)

It is a Java programming platform. It includes Java programming APIs such as java.lang, java.io, java.net, java.util, java.sql, java.math etc. It includes core topics like OOPs, String, Regex, Exception, Inner classes, Multithreading, I/O Stream, Networking, AWT, Swing, Reflection, Collection, etc.

2) Java EE (Java Enterprise Edition)

It is an enterprise platform that is mainly used to develop web and enterprise applications. It is built on top of the Java SE platform. It includes topics like Servlet, JSP, Web Services, EJB, JPA, etc.

3) Java ME (Java Micro Edition)

It is a micro platform that is dedicated to mobile applications.

4) JavaFX

It is used to develop rich Internet applications. It uses a lightweight user interface API.

Prerequisite

To learn Java, you must have a basic knowledge of C/C++ programming language.

Audience

Our Java programming tutorial is designed to help beginners and professionals.

Problem

We assure you that you will not find any problems in this Java tutorial. However, if there is any mistake, please post the problem in the contact form.

Java Tutorial MCQs

1) In respect of Java, select the correct one.

1. Java is a high-level, general-purpose, object-oriented programming language.
2. Java is a low-level, general-purpose, object-oriented programming language.
3. Java is a high-level, general-purpose, object-based programming language.
4. Java is a high-level, general-purpose, native programming language.

2) Which of the following Java editions is suitable for the development of web applications?

1. Java ME
2. Java SE
3. Java EE
4. Java FX

3) Java programming language is also known as…….?

1. KAO
2. OKA
3. AOK
4. OAK

4) Who invented Java Programming?

1. Guido van Rossum
2. James Gosling
3. Dennis Ritchie
4. Bjarne Stroustrup

5) Which component is used to compile, debug and execute the Java programs?

1. JRE
2. JIT
3. JVM
4. JDK