Why Java is a Secure language?
As you all are well aware that Java is a vast world. There are a lot of provisions that you can play within Java. It is one of the most popular languages in the programming world. Simply the most favourite language for the developers due to a lot of salient features that it offers. Java is a very eye-catching language as it is easy to understand and learn. Here, in this tutorial, I am going to discuss one of the most amazing features of Java, security!
- Why Java is secure?
- Top 10 features that make Java Secure
- JVM
- Security API’s
- Security manager
- Void of Pointers
- Memory management
- Compile-time checking
- Cryptographic Security
- Java Sandbox
- Exception Handling
- Java ClassLoader
Let’s begin.
Why Java is secure?
Java is an extremely safe language due to the variety of features described below. Have a look!
- The byte-code verification before the execution takes place, therefore the program becomes unable to jump to a malicious or undefined instruction or to make a type error at the instruction level.
- The automatic bounds checking of arrays null checking of references verification of casts prevents the program from making any type errors.
- Whenever a new code is being loaded, run-time security checks take place. The usage of security manager and class loader makes it easy for the Java run-time to avoid any arbitrary code from executing by mediating access to the system resources and preventing the program from loading or generating any arbitrary code at run-time.
- Java provides library level safety.
There are some more technical features elaborated below!
Top 10 Features that make Java Secure
- JVM
Java virtual machine plays a fundamental role to verify the byte-code. The task of JVM is to check that the program is not making any unsafe operations. There are cases when a program jumps to the wrong locations that can hold malicious data. The JVM guarantees that such kinds of unsafe operations does not exist. The JVM helps to diminish the possibilities of the developers who suffer from memory safety flaws.
Let’s understand Security API.
- Security API’s
The Java class library has several API that relates to security. This API is involved in cryptographic algorithms secure communication and authentication protocols.
Let’s move on with the Security Manager
- Security Manager
Security manager guarantees that the doubted code or some malicious code does not accomplish the goal of accessing some features of the platform and API’s
- Void of Pointers
There is no concept of pointers in the Java language. The only disadvantage of pointers is that they can be used to refer another object for doing some unauthorized read and write operation. This puts the feature of security in Java in jeopardy. Hence, there are no pointers!
- Memory management
Java has an automatic garbage collection system. It has its own memory management mechanism. Allowed time users forget to free their memory when the utilization of some objects is done. But in the case of Java, the memory need not be vacated. JVM does your work.
- Compile-time checking
For instance, if any unauthorized method is trying to access a private variable then at compile time JVM fetches an error. JVM catches as many errors as it encounters.
- Cryptographic Security
Java.security.SouceCode class is helpful in Java. In the process of taking a code from some other network, it becomes important to maintain a record of it. The class mentioned above maintains the source information and keeps a digital signature that guarantees cryptographic security.
- Java Sandbox
Java sandbox is basically a restricted area in which the Java applets Run. These applets can’t get system resources without a check.
- Exception Handling
In exception handling, during runtime Java can catch the undesired result through exception handling and report the programmer. The code will not run until the programmer rectifies it. This feature adds more security to Java.
- Java ClassLoader
There are many class loaders present in JVM. A different name is given to each class that is loaded. The classloader maintains namespaces for specific classes. The aim here is that the untrusted classes shall not behave like trusted ones.
I hope now you have the answer to the above-mentioned question, Why Java is secure! With this, I am concluding this tutorial. Keep reading, keep exploring. If you wish to check out more articles on the market’s most trending technologies like Artificial Intelligence, DevOps, Ethical Hacking, then you can refer to Edureka’s official site.
Do look out for other articles in this series that will explain the various other aspects of Java.
1. Object Oriented Programming
5. Java String
6. Java Array
8. Java Threads
9. Introduction to Java Servlets
11. Exception Handling in Java
14. Java Programs
15. Kotlin vs Java
16. Dependency Injection Using Spring Boot
22. Socket Programming In Java
25. Library Management System Project in Java
26. Trees in Java
28. Top Data Structures & Algorithms in Java
30. Top 55 Servlet Interview Questions
34. Java Collections Interview Questions and Answers
35. How to Handle Deadlock in Java?
36. Top 50 Java Collections Interview Questions You Need to Know
37. What is the concept of String Pool in Java?
38. What is the difference between C, C++, and Java?
39. Palindrome in Java- How to check a number or string?
40. Top MVC Interview Questions and Answers You Need to Know
41. Top 10 Applications of Java Programming Language
42. Deadlock in Java
43. Square and Square Root in Java
Originally published at https://www.edureka.co on October 23, 2019.
