Features Of Java Programming Language
Developing the Java programming language portable, easy to use, and safe was the main goal of its development. In addition, this language has a number of outstanding qualities that contribute significantly to its popularity. Java buzzwords are another name for Java’s features.
They have classified computer programming into four major categories, namely;
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP).
Java is aimed with the object oriented approach of programming which facilitates the developers to develop programs modularized and reusable. The main principles of OOP in Java include:
Encapsulation: Grouping data (attributes) and operations (functions) that can be performed on these data into one entity or class.
Inheritance: Deriving new classes from existing ones that help in reusing the code and where one class dominates the other.
Polymorphism: A mechanism that will allow methods to do different things depending on the object that is calling them; useful in programming.
- Platform Independence
Java’s greatest strength is that it is platform independent due to the use of Java Virtual Machine, JVM. Java code is translated into byte code which can be interpreted in any machine which contains JVM. This characteristic of operation makes it suitable for use in cross-platform computing environments and makes Java rather appealing.
- Robustness and Security
Java gives importance for good handling of memories and errors, which are a few of the reasons Java is more reliable.
Features such as:
Automatic garbage collection: Aids in memory control facilitates memory space freeing for object that other programs do not use any more.
Strong type checking: Promises that code content will conform to certain data types, thus minimizing instance of error occurrences during runtime.
Exception handling: Specifies ways for dealing with runtime errors.
Additionally, Java provides a security model that includes:
Access control: That involve the restriction of the access to classes and their members by defining public, private and protected.
Bytecode verification: Checks that the code is compliant with the restrictions on Java security prior to its run.
4. Multithreading
Java supports multithreaded programming right and enables one to run multiple threads simultaneously. This feature is important for creating applications that react to user inputs, because it allows for performing a set of actions at the same time. Java’s multithreading capabilities include:
Thread class and Runnable interface: Create and maintain the vast structure of the threads.
Synchronization: Assists in reducing thread interference and guarantees that resources being used in a multithreaded environment are used safely.
- Rich Standard Library
Java comes with a comprehensive standard library (Java API) that provides a wide range of pre-built classes and methods for common tasks, such as:
- Such objects as data structures (like collection framework)
- Input/output operations
- Networking
- Some of the GUI development tools that exist include: Swing and JavaFX.
- XML processing
This diverse array of code repositories also fast tracks creation for developers since it is usually easier to call on the library to make use of a certain functionality that would otherwise have required creation from the basics.
- Dynamic and Extensible
Java has a flexibility of its environment and this is because it was designed to grow with its environment. There are numerous features: it can be in touch with dynamic class, especially when classes can be loaded at the time of runtime instead of compile time. Moreover, Java has modular architecture that gives a way for extension so it is possible to develop the new classes and interfaces.
- High Performance
Java is an interpreted language but it provides high performance feature with compile Integrated (Just-In-Time) where ‘‘byte code’’ translates into machine instructions during program execution. This leads to improving the speed of execution, although the general advantage of platform independency stays unaffected.
- The involved community support and documentation.
Java is known to have a large and vibrant community, and as such, a lot of literature is available for use in Java programming as well as in case of problems. This makes it easy for the new developer to learn from the tutorials, the forums, and even the third-party libraries hence making it a reserve for the learned too.
Conclusion
The various factors supportive of Java are the object oriented designing, platform independency, robustness of language, multithreading support, copious standard library and dynamic character all make Java a multipurpose and efficient language. Such popularity in different areas including web applications and mobile development proves its appropriateness in the context of software development. Java always stays updated and develops a community, and it remains the programming language of choice among the developers.