Getting to know JAVA

Java is a popular high-level programming language that is widely used for developing a variety of software applications, including web and mobile apps, desktop software, games, and enterprise applications. It was first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995 and is now owned by Oracle Corporation.

One of the key features of Java is its platform independence, which means that Java code can be run on any platform without having to be rewritten or recompiled. This is made possible by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which interprets Java code and translates it into machine code that can be executed on any system.

Java also has a strong emphasis on object-oriented programming (OOP), which allows developers to create reusable code and build complex applications with ease. Additionally, Java has a vast and active community of developers, which has resulted in a rich ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools that make Java development more efficient and productive.

Why should you learn JAVA?

Java is used for a wide variety of software development purposes. Here are some of the most common use cases for Java:

1. Web Application Development: Java is widely used for developing web applications, including server-side web applications using technologies like Java Servlets, JavaServer Pages (JSP), and JavaServer Faces (JSF).

2. Mobile Application Development: Java can be used to develop Android applications using the Android Software Development Kit (SDK).

3. Desktop Application Development: Java can be used to develop desktop applications with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) using libraries like JavaFX and Swing.

4. Enterprise Application Development: Java is widely used in large-scale enterprise software development, including developing applications for finance, healthcare, and government sectors.

5. Game Development: Java is used to develop games for desktop, web, and mobile platforms.

6. Big Data and Machine Learning: Java is used in big data and machine learning applications, with popular frameworks like Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark written in Java.

Now, why should you learn JAVA even though it's considered old now?

I remember when I joined my first class of Fundamentals of Programming (sadly online, yeah); I was expecting our lecturer to start talking about how Python, HTML or even CSS- any of these are going far and beyond to make our lives easier. 'Cause I always thought JAVA was over-documented and over-complicated; well, our professor cleared my doubt when I bugged him about it towards the end of the semester.

Although Java has been around for over 25 years, it remains a highly relevant programming language with numerous benefits that make it well worth learning today. Here are some reasons why learning Java is still a valuable investment of your time:

1. High demand for Java skills: Java remains one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, and there is a high demand for skilled Java developers in many industries.

2. Platform independence: Java's "write once, run anywhere" philosophy means that Java code can be run on any platform without modification, making it a highly versatile language that can be used for a wide range of applications.

3. Strong community and ecosystem: Java has a large and active developer community, which means there is a wealth of resources available to help you learn and solve problems. Additionally, there is a vast ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools that can help you develop software faster and more efficiently.

4. Object-oriented programming (OOP): Java is a highly object-oriented programming language, which means that it is well suited to developing complex, modular, and maintainable software applications.

5. Career opportunities: Learning Java can lead to many career opportunities, ranging from software development to system administration to project management.

In summary, even though Java is considered a mature language, it remains a valuable and relevant programming language to learn due to its versatility, strong community, and high demand in the job market.

Thank you, professor!

Well, I promised to give you an insight as to how JAVA works, so get yourself and your IDE set 'cause we're in for a fun journey. Let's start with the installation.

Installation

1. Download and install the Java Development Kit (JDK) for your operating system. The JDK provides the tools necessary to develop Java applications. You can download the JDK here.

2. Choose an IDE that you want to use for Java development. Some popular options include Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and NetBeans. You can download the IDE from the official website of the respective IDE.

3. Install the IDE on your computer by following the instructions provided in the installer. During the installation, you will be prompted to set up the JDK that you installed in step 1.

4. Once the IDE is installed, you can open it and start coding. Create a new Java project and write your code in the editor provided by the IDE.

It's worth noting that the exact steps for installing an IDE may vary depending on the specific IDE you choose and your operating system. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the IDE's documentation or website for the most accurate installation guidance.

For avoiding any sort of confusion, follow this easy-to-follow step-by-step tutorial here. (This is for the IDE NetBeans, you can always look up tutorials for setting up other IDEs- the coding syntaxes will always be the same

Which IDE is better?

Determining whether NetBeans or IntelliJ is better depends on personal preferences and project requirements. Both IDEs are powerful tools that offer many features to improve Java development productivity.

NetBeans is known for its ease of use and robust plugin ecosystem, making it an excellent choice for beginners and small to medium-sized projects.

On the other hand, IntelliJ is known for its advanced code analysis and refactoring capabilities, making it a better fit for larger and more complex projects.

Ultimately, the choice between NetBeans and IntelliJ depends on individual needs and preferences, and developers are encouraged to try both and determine which one best suits their needs.

Meanwhile, Eclipse remains a neutral choice.

Some important jargon and terms before I get you all set up in the next chapters.

1. Java Virtual Machine (JVM): The JVM is a virtual machine that interprets compiled Java code and runs it on any platform.

2. Object-oriented programming (OOP): OOP is a programming paradigm that focuses on objects and their interactions to create software applications.

3. Class: A class is a blueprint or template for creating objects in Java. It defines the variables, methods, and other properties of an object.

4. Interface: An interface defines a set of methods that a class must implement. It serves as a contract between the class and any other code that uses it.

5. Inheritance: Inheritance is a mechanism in Java that allows a class to inherit properties and methods from another class. It allows for code reuse and improves code organization.

6. Polymorphism: Polymorphism is a concept in Java that allows objects of different classes to be treated as if they were the same type.

7. Exception: An exception is an error that occurs during program execution. Java provides a robust exception-handling mechanism to help developers handle exceptions in a controlled manner.

8. Garbage collection: Garbage collection is the process of automatically reclaiming memory used by objects that are no longer needed. Java provides automatic garbage collection to help manage memory usage in Java applications.

9. Thread: A thread is a unit of execution in a Java program. Java provides a robust threading mechanism to allow for parallel and concurrent programming.

10. Package: A package is a collection of related classes and interfaces. It provides a way to organize and modularize code in a Java application.

Some advanced terms in case some of you are interested and want all the definitions in one place.

1. Native app: A native app is an application developed for a specific platform or operating system. It is compiled to run natively on that platform, providing optimal performance and user experience.

2. Cross-platform app: A cross-platform app is an application developed to run on multiple platforms or operating systems. It is typically developed using a framework or technology that allows code to be shared across platforms.

3. Framework: A framework is a set of tools and libraries that provide a foundation for building applications. Java frameworks, such as Spring, Hibernate, and Struts, provide a set of pre-built components and features that make it easier to develop Java applications.

4. API: An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that define how software components should interact with each other. Java provides a rich set of APIs for interacting with the Java Virtual Machine, the file system, network resources, and more.

5. Maven: Maven is a popular build automation tool for Java projects. It provides a consistent and repeatable way to build, test, and deploy Java applications.

6. Gradle: Gradle is another popular build automation tool for Java projects. It provides a flexible and extensible way to build, test, and deploy Java applications.

7. Servlet: A servlet is a Java class that provides dynamic web content. It is typically used to handle HTTP requests and generate HTML pages.

8. JSP: JSP (JavaServer Pages) is a technology that allows developers to create dynamic web pages using HTML, Java code and built-in JSP tags.

9. JDBC: JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) is an API that provides a standard way to connect to and interact with relational databases in Java applications.

Now that you know all the basics, try to contemplate what you've just read and enjoy the next chapters as you get to know JAVA more. Stay tuned!