What is Java Used For: Applications and Benefits Explored

In today's technology-driven world, knowing what is Java used for is a cornerstone in software development, offering unparalleled versatility and reliability. As businesses increasingly require programming languages to meet their unique needs, the demand for custom Java applications continues to soar. Off-the-shelf solutions often need a catch up, making custom Java development indispensable for businesses aiming to align their software with specific programming languages like Java.

Enterprises seeking custom Java solutions can rely on reputable experts like Aloa, a leading authority in software development outsourcing. With a meticulous vetting process, Aloa ensures that only top-tier Java developers work on your projects, guaranteeing exceptional outcomes. Whether you are looking to staff multiple developers or build out a specific web application, Aloa ensures a smooth development process from start to end.

With our deep insights into Java development, we have curated this blog to discover what is Java used for and its significance of custom Java application development. We’ll also walk you through the process of how to use it, along with its use cases and benefits in various sectors. After reading, you can be confident in utilizing Java or in hiring Java developers that can significantly contribute to your business' success. 

Let's get started!

What is Java?

Java, developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995, is a widely used object-oriented programming language renowned for its platform independence. With the ability to run on any system equipped with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), developers can write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms seamlessly.

Renowned for its simplicity and efficiency, Java offers extensive features and libraries, streamlining the development process while ensuring efficient memory management and high performance. Its platform independence allows Java applications to operate across diverse operating systems, from Windows to Linux and macOS.

Moreover, Java prioritizes security with built-in features that safeguard users against malicious code and unauthorized access. Its sandbox environment isolates applications, preventing them from compromising system integrity. Java's versatility, ease of use, and robust security measures makes it an indispensable tool for many applications, from web development to enterprise software solutions.

How To Use Java

Knowing what is Java used for as a programming language involves leveraging the Java Development Kit (JDK) for essential tools and setting up a conducive development environment. Writing, compiling, and executing Java code through the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) leads to the creation of robust applications. Here are five steps on how to use Java using JDK and JVM: 

Step 1: Install Java Development Kit (JDK)

The Java Development Kit (JDK) is a software development kit used by Java developers to build applications. It contains everything needed to compile, debug, and run Java programs. Here's what you'll typically find in the JDK:

• Java Runtime Environment (JRE): Serves as the runtime environment for Java applications. It includes the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which executes Java bytecode and core libraries necessary for running Java programs.
• Java Compiler (Javac): Translates Java source code into bytecode, which the JVM can execute. It's a crucial tool for converting human-readable Java code into machine-readable instructions.
• Java Debugger (JDB): Use for troubleshooting and debugging Java applications. It allows developers to inspect variables, set breakpoints, and step through code to identify and fix errors.
• Java Documentation (Javadoc): Serves as a documentation generator that parses Java source code and generates API documentation in HTML format. It's commonly used to create documentation for Java classes and packages.

Step 2: Set Up Your Java Development Environment

Setting up your development environment for Java usage involves a few steps, including selecting a text editor or an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Here's a more detailed guide:

• Choose a Text Editor or IDE: Choose IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, or NetBeans for your text editor or IDE, each offering powerful features tailored for Java development.
• Download and Install the Chosen IDE: To download and install your selected IDE, visit its official website, download the appropriate installer for your operating system, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
• Configure the IDE: Upon launching the IDE for the first time, configure settings like theme, key bindings, and plugins according to your preferences, and install any additional plugins or extensions necessary for your development, which is what Java is used for.
• Create a New Java Project: To begin, open the IDE and establish a new Java project, which usually entails selecting "New Project" from the file menu. Afterward, opt for "Java" as the project type, and define a name and location for the project. Once done, configure the project settings, including the JDK version and project structure to meet your needs.

Step 3: Write Your Java Code

After setting up your development environment, you can start exploring what is Java used for. Here's an outline of how you can begin writing your Java code:

1. Define Classes: Identify your program's main entities or components and create classes to represent them. Think about the attributes and behaviors of each class.
2. Create Methods: Within each class, define methods to encapsulate the behavior or actions that the class can perform. Follow best practices such as keeping methods cohesive and loosely coupled.
3. Declare Variables: Determine the data that needs to be stored and manipulated within your program and declare variables accordingly. Consider the data types and access modifiers for each variable.
4. Implement Control Flow: Use conditional statements (e.g., if-else) and loops (e.g., for, while) to control the flow of your program. This helps in making decisions and iterating over collections of data.
5. Handle Exceptions: Implement error handling mechanisms to deal with unexpected situations or errors that may occur during the execution of your program. This includes using try-catch blocks to catch exceptions and handle them appropriately.
6. Test Your Code: Once you've written your code, test it thoroughly to ensure it behaves as expected and handles various scenarios correctly. Use unit tests, integration tests, and other testing techniques to validate your program’s functionality.
7. Refactor and Improve: Continuously refactor and improve your code to make it more efficient, readable, and maintainable. Look for opportunities to optimize performance, eliminate code duplication, and improve overall design.

Step 4: Compile Your Java Code

After you have finished writing your Java code, the next step is to compile it into bytecode that can be understood and executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Follow these steps to compile your Java code:

1. Open the Command Prompt or Terminal: Depending on your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux), open the command prompt or terminal.
2. Navigate to the Directory: Use the 'cd' command to navigate to the directory where your Java file (.java) is located. For example, if your file is on the desktop, you might type ‘cd desktop’ and press Enter.
3. Compile the Java File: Once you're in the correct directory, use the Javac command followed by the name of your Java file. For instance, if your Java file is named ‘MyProgram.java,’ you would type ‘javac MyProgram.java’ and then press Enter.
4. Check for Errors: If your code has no syntax or compilation errors, the compiler will generate a .class file containing the bytecode in the same directory as your .java file. However, if there are errors, the compiler will display error messages indicating the issues that must be fixed.
5. Run the Compiled Code: Once your code has been compiled without errors, you can run it using the Java interpreter. This involves typing ‘java’ followed by the class name containing the ‘main’ method (typically the same name as your Java file without the ‘.java’ extension).

Step 5: Run Your Java Program

Running your Java program involves executing it using the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Below are the steps to follow to make sure you do it correctly.

1. Compile Your Java Code to Generate the .Class File: Utilize a Java compiler to translate your human-readable Java code into machine-readable bytecode. As you encapsulate it in a .class file, it’s ready for execution by the JVM.
2. Open the Command Prompt or Terminal: Access the command-line interface provided by your operating system, which serves as a text-based environment for entering commands and interacting with the system.
3. Navigate to the Directory Where Your .Class File is Located: Change the current working directory in the command-line interface to where your compiled Java program resides. This ensures the subsequent commands operate within the correct context.
4. Run the Java Virtual Machine (JVM): Use the ‘java’ command followed by the name of your class file (without the .class extension) to interpret and execute the bytecode contained within your .class file. Doing so initiates the execution of your Java program.

Use Cases of Java

Usage of Java’s versatility extends across multiple domains, from web and mobile development to enterprise software and big data processing. It remains a stalwart choice for crafting resilient web solutions, dynamic mobile experiences, mission-critical enterprise systems, and scalable big data applications. 

Here are some use cases of Java in various sectors:

Java in Web Development

Java is a cornerstone in web application development, seamlessly integrating server-side and client-side functionalities. Some frameworks like Spring, Hibernate, and Struts fortify the development process of creating robust and scalable web solutions. Additionally, Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE) offers a suite of tools and APIs for building large-scale enterprise apps using application servers, including the Java platform and web server.

The adaptability and resilience of Java empower developers to address many challenges in web development, guaranteeing the delivery of high-performance, feature-rich applications across diverse industries and domains. With its wide-ranging capabilities, Java remains a preferred choice for crafting cutting-edge web applications that meet the evolving demands of modern businesses.

Use Cases of Java in Mobile Development

Since the inception of Android, Java has solidified its position as a fundamental tool for mobile and web application development. Android Studio, the designated IDE, extensively benefits from what Java is used for as its principal web development language for Android app development. This integration enables developers to engineer intricate applications tailored for various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other tech wearables. 

With such relationships, Java has accelerated mobile experiences by facilitating the development of dynamic and feature-rich applications. Its adaptability and resilience further play a pivotal role in meeting contemporary mobile users' diverse requirements, which span a wide array of devices and functionalities.

Enterprise Software with Java

Java's versatility is prominently displayed in enterprise-level software development, where its platform independence, robust security, and reliability are crucial. This makes it suitable for crafting intricate solutions in areas such as customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and supply chain management (SCM) systems.

The widespread adoption of what Java is used for in this domain highlights its capacity to manage the complexities and demands of large-scale applications effectively. Using Java technologies in enterprise software ensures seamless operation and safeguards sensitive data across diverse business environments. This makes it a preferred choice for organizations seeking stability and performance in their software solutions.

Java in Big Data Processing

A few ways of what Java is used for are hailed as the premier language for big data applications due to its exceptional performance, scalability, and extensive toolkit. Key frameworks like Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark are developed for Java usage, enabling developers to build and deploy large-scale data processing and analytics solutions effectively.

With Java, organizations can adeptly manage vast datasets, uncover actionable insights, and facilitate well-informed decision-making. Its widespread adoption in the extensive data landscape underscores its reliability and versatility, making it an indispensable asset for businesses aiming to harness the potential of data-driven strategies.

Use Cases of Java in Desktop Applications

Despite the prevalence of web and mobile applications, the use cases of Java remains a reliable option for desktop application development, especially when cross-platform compatibility is essential. JavaFX, a powerful platform for immersive internet applications, enables developers to build modern and captivating desktop solutions.

Its extensive feature set encompasses multimedia integration, strong 2D and 3D graphics capabilities, and dynamic animation support, ensuring the development of flexible and visually appealing applications across various desktop environments. JavaFX also provides developers with the tools to deliver engaging user experiences while maintaining the versatility and functionality required for desktop applications in today's digital landscape.

Key Takeaway

Java is a robust programming language renowned for its versatility and scalability, making it a popular choice for businesses seeking custom application solutions. Knowing what is Java used for enables companies to address their challenges and unique requirements, whether developing web applications, mobile apps, or enterprise software. With Java’s flexibility, businesses can streamline their processes, enhance productivity, and stay ahead in today's competitive market.

Additionally, investing in Java usage development assures businesses of efficient, cost-effective solutions tailored to their needs. Through harnessing its power and use cases, companies can optimize operations, minimize overheads, and drive innovation across their organization. Looking for assistance to utilize Java in your business projects?

Contact our Account Executives at [email protected] to learn more about what Java is used for. Getting in touch with Aloa keeps you updated on the latest insights and trends that impact various programming languages today. Explore our other relevant Java blog posts to learn more and be with the right Java development companies to work with in 2024!