Brief History of Java, Essay Example

Java was developed in 1991 and it is therefore considered a new programming language. The first Java version was meant for use in programming home appliances that operated with the use of computer processors. In 1994, it was discovered that Java was ideal for use on web browsers. Soon, Java started being connected with the internet. The first Netscape browser was released by Netscape and it would run Java programs.

Originally, this programming was named Oak. However, another language already existed by that name and therefore it was renamed Java. Today, many people consider it a language of the internet. However, this language can be used in other applications that are not related to internet.

Portability Aspect of Java

One of the main reasons why this language is considered portable is the fact that it is architecture-neutral. More importantly, this language differs from C and C++, both of which are “implementation dependent”. This means that primitive data types as well as their sizes are already specified. The same case applies to the arithmetic behaviors embedded on them. If you take “int”, for example, its meaning is always the same: assigned two’s complement of 32-bit integer. “Float” always means a floating number 32-bit IEEE 754. Joshua argues that one can make these choices, which are an integral element of all CPUs in use today (150).

This language is also considered in terms of the relevant libraries present in different operating systems. A good example is the presence of Window class that is abstract in terms of implementations in Unix, Macintosh and Windows NT/95. The Java system is also portable since its runtime is in ANSI C, a highly portable element.

Five Elements of Java Programming Language

Keywords constitute one of the five elements of Java. They have a special meaning and they cannot be used outside the scope of this meaning. They are also referred to as reserve words. Examples are “public” and “class”.

Operators are merely words or symbols used to perform operations in an operand(s). An operand is simply a data item, for instance a number. Examples of operators are + and =. Punctuation is another important element of Java Each punctuation character serves a specific role. It can mark the beginning or end of statements. It can also be used to separate different items in a long list. Examples are periods and commas.

Program-defined names are very different from keyword since the programmer has to specify them. Every memory’s storage location is defined using these names. They also define every part of a program that is created by the programmer. Syntax refers to rules to be followed when a program is being written. Unicode and token are some of the building elements of syntax.

Definition of Terms

Int sets a designated parameter to calendar values and timestamps and internally, it is binary 0. Class in Java is a combination of variables and methods that are related and therefore assigned one name. True is a response that is returned when there exists a system property that has been named by a certain argument. Double is a class that is used to wrap values that bear the primitive type known as “double”.

The process of developing a program, with Java explains Arnold, is very easy (12). First, text editor is used to create a source code file; second, the source code file is translated into byte code file using Java Compiler. Lastly, the Java Virtual Machine is used to read and execute each instruction contained in the byte code and output is produced.

Works Cited

Joshua, B. Effective Java programming language guide. Mountain View: Sun Microsystems (2001).

Arnold, K. The Java Programming Language. New York: Addison-Wesley Professional (2005).