Why Java is Still Relevant in 2024

What is Java?

"Java is an object-oriented programming language and software platform that powers computer devices, laptops, mobile devices, gaming consoles, medical equipment, and many other devices." The languages C and C++ serve as the foundation for the rules and syntax of the Java platform." The most significant advantage of designing applications with Java is its portability. Once you've written code for a Java program on a notebook computer, you may quickly transfer it to mobile devices. James Gosling designed this language at Sun Microsystems (later acquired by Oracle) in 1991 with the primary purpose of "write once, run anywhere."

"It's also vital to recognize that Java is not the same as JavaScript. JavaScript does not need to be compiled, although Java code does. Furthermore, JavaScript only works in web browsers, whereas Java can run anywhere.

New and improved software development tools are flooding the market at an incredible rate, displacing items that were once considered vital. However, Java's durability is remarkable. Developers frequently choose it over Python, Ruby, PHP, Swift, C++, and other languages. As a result, Java remains an important ability for competing in the employment market.

How Java Works

Java is a computer language and software platform. You develop Java programs, which are then converted into Java bytecode by a compiler. Java bytecode runs on any system that supports the JVM without change, making your Java programs cross-platform. The Java software platform consists of the JVM, the Java API, and a complete development environment. The JVM parses and executes or interprets Java bytecode.

Why Java Matters

If you're an enterprise application developer, you're definitely familiar with Java, and your company has thousands, if not millions, of lines of production code written in Java. Troubleshooting, maintaining, and upgrading your existing codebase may require some Java skill. However, it would be a mistake to think of Java solely in terms of old programs. Java application servers act as web containers for Java components, XML, and web services that interact with databases and generate dynamic web content.

Technical Advantages

When it comes to choosing a programming language and environment for your next enterprise application, there are strong technical reasons to consider Java, including interoperability, scalability, and adaptability. The core philosophy behind its creation—interoperability across different devices—remains the strongest argument in favor of Java for new enterprise applications.

Platform Scalability: A Key Feature of Java

Java's platform scalability is one of its standout features. Existing desktop applications can be easily adapted to run on small devices with limited resources. You can even migrate applications from mobile to desktop, develop business apps for the Android platform, and then integrate them with your existing desktop software.

Typical IoT applications connect a large number of different devices, a task made much simpler by the fact that billions of devices run Java. Additionally, Java developers’ extensive ecosystem is continuously developing and sharing new libraries tailored specifically for IoT application development.

Business Benefits

The technical arguments for Java are compelling, but the business reasons for choosing Java are just as strong: a large talent pool, a shorter learning curve, and a wide range of integrated development environments (IDEs).

The demand for mobile app developers may soon surpass the available supply.

One key reason to base major software initiatives on Java is the large pool of Java developers. When staffing managers post job opportunities for Java developers, they can expect to receive many qualified resumes and fill those positions relatively quickly. Managers can also supplement their in-house staff with contract resources for specific tasks, without having to expand their workforce.

In addition to senior developers, major software projects require a large number of junior contributors. While Java remains a popular first programming language in university computer science classes, many graduates lack the efficiency needed to be productive right away. However, learning and mastering Java is simpler than learning and mastering many other programming languages, resulting in a shorter learning curve and faster productivity gains.

The huge online Java community, which includes developer forums, tutorials, and user groups, helps newcomers learn faster while providing experienced programmers with practical, tried-and-true problem-solving approaches. Skilled Java developers can quickly adapt to numerous environments, allowing development managers to select the IDE that best meets the project's requirements and budget.