What is Java Used For? The Most Important Applications
Initially launched in 1995, Java was developed by Sun Microsystems. Within a few years, this programming language became the core of numerous software systems.
Oracle, which took over Java from Sun Microsystems, states that irrespective of the platform (may it be Android, Windows, UNIX, or more), around 3 billion devices use apps developed by Java.
Even in complicated arenas such as enterprise app development and embedded systems, Java is viewed as a beneficial option. After becoming such an extensively used programming language in the world, it is obvious that Java would have a wide range of applications. Let’s take a look at a few important ones.
1. Web Applications
Because Java is capable of interacting with various systems simultaneously, it is deemed ideal for web app development. Hence, it allows building dynamic web apps that can easily interact with multiple interfaces.
The web development process is made more feasible with the use of web servers, Hibernate, JSP, and Spring. Some of its benefits include improved security, code reusability, availability of a large number of APIs, amazing IDEs, tools, and more.
2. Mobile Applications
Utilizing Java, developers can build cross-platform mobile applications. This means such apps are functional on all mobile operating systems and all sizes of screen devices. A survey states that Java is the second most used programming language for mobile app development.
Some of the popular mobile apps empowered by Java include Spotify, Twitter, and Netflix. Reasons that appeal the most to the developers to use Java for mobile app development are:
- Strengthened Security
- Simple code
- Highly Compatible
- Cross-platform Functioning
3. Gaming Applications
Java is one of the most desirable languages for programming gaming applications. Because it comes with a large range of open-source development frameworks.
Many popular games including Asphalt 6, Minecraft, and Mission Impossible 3 were created using Java. Developing 2D and 3D Android games is easy with Java as it offers jMonkeyEngine and Dalvik Virtual Machine.
4. Business Applications
Companies sometimes need to create robust applications to fulfill their business needs. This programming language is evolving continuously. So, it is capable of fulfilling the latest business requirements. For business app development, Java offers:
- Cross-platform functionality
- Robust performance in managing the workload of large enterprises
- Flexible integration
5. Cloud Applications
Cloud applications are the ones that store the user’s data in a cloud. The user needs an internet connection to use cloud apps and all of their work and information are updated in real-time on the cloud.
And yes, Java helps build cloud apps too. In addition to applications, Java also allows developers to build cloud servers. They act as an affordable alternative for expensive IT infrastructures.
6. Scientific Applications
Java comes with advanced security features which makes it suitable for creating scientific apps. This language can serve well as a robust tool for programming complex mathematical operations.
Such programs must be written with more efficiency and security. Java serves as the core component in many top scientific applications like MATLAB.
7. Desktop GUI Applications
Java allows developers to design desktop applications with perfection. A modern approach to developing GUI apps is to utilize APIs like JavaFX, AWT, and Swing. You can enjoy various advantages such as simultaneous display of multiple instances, visual feedback, ease of learning, and more while using Java for desktop app development.
8. Embedded Systems
In an embedded system, various small units combine to perform a collective function for a large system. And when it comes to simplifying complex software solutions, Java has a proven track record.
That is why many developers use Java for Embedded Systems. The language provides a wide range of libraries which makes the development tasks easy. Embedded applications can just reuse them which greatly improves productivity.
Java follows the object-oriented programming approach to development. This makes it easy even for less experienced developers or beginners to create embedded systems. Java also offers a variety of features that can help developers manage complex systems.
9. Big Data Technology
Being a software utility, analyzing and extracting information from complex data structures is what Java was built for. It has a wide range of applications in the latest technological trends like AI, ML, and deep learning. Java is also considered as a viewpoint for Big data.
Many popular ETL applications like Apache Kafka and Apatar are built upon Java programming language. Moreover, using Java provides them with unique features such as a stack provision system and automatic garbage selection. These can come in handy as it gives you an edge in the market.
10. Artificial Intelligence
The infrastructure of Java is embedded with intelligent software that can improve artificial intelligence programming. This makes Java one of the ideal programming languages for AI projects.
Standard widget tools, easy coding features, easy debugging, better user interactions, and many more great features come with this language. The process of AI programming can be perfected with the help of Java.
Conclusion
Java is used widely across the software development industry. In almost every field you will get to see its applications. Its high performance and strengthened security features make it an ideal solution for finance applications. Its processing capabilities make it a preferred option for big data.
There are many more uses of Java which we discussed in this blog today. Although it’s an old technology, it is continuously evolving with time which makes it relevant to the users and the market. The more this language keeps adopting the latest trends and technologies, the more it will be in demand.
It doesn’t matter if you are a developer or a business owner, if you are someone who has to work with software then Java is a must-have programming language in your toolkit.