0: Overview

Before we Start our main topic lets get a overview:

What is a Programming Language?

Definition:

A programming language is a special language used to write instructions that a computer can understand and follow.

Just like we use English or Hindi to talk to each other, programmers use languages like Java, Python, or C++ to talk to computers.

Why do we need it?

Computers are dumb without instructions. A programming language helps us:

• Tell the computer what to do

• Solve problems

• Make websites, games, apps, software, etc.

Types of Programming Languages:

1. Low-level languages

   • Closer to machine language (0s and 1s)

   • Example: Assembly Language

2. High-level languages

   • Easier to read and write

   • Example: Java, Python, C++, JavaScript

Example:

Let’s say we want to add two numbers.

In Java, you can write:

int a = 5;
int b = 10;
int sum = a + b;
System.out.println(sum);

This tells the computer: “Hey! Add 5 and 10, and show me the result.”

History of Java (In Detail)

When and Why was Java created?

• Java was developed in 1991 by a team at Sun Microsystems (later bought by Oracle).

• The team was led by James Gosling (known as the father of Java).

• It was first called Oak (named after an oak tree outside Gosling’s window).

But the name “Oak” was already taken by another company, so in 1995, they renamed it to Java (inspired by Java coffee ☕ from Indonesia).

Original Purpose of Java:

• Java was first created to program electronic devices like TVs, toasters, and remote controls (for embedded systems).

• But it became very popular for the Internet and applications because it was:

  • Secure

  • Platform-independent

  • Easy to use

Java’s Key Turning Points:

Why Java Became Popular:

1. “Write Once, Run Anywhere”: Same code works on Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.

2. Secure: Java runs in a protected environment (sandbox).

3. Object-Oriented: Focuses on real-world things like objects and classes.

4. Huge Community: Many tools, support, and libraries available.

Fun Fact:

Java is used in:

• Android apps 📱

• Banking software 💰

• Scientific systems 🔬

• Games & Web Apps 🎮🌐

The Detailed History of Java

1. Pre-Java Era – The Birth of an Idea (Early 1990s)

• Company: Sun Microsystems (USA)

• Team Name: The Green Team (also known as the Green Project)

• Lead Developer: James Gosling (known as the “Father of Java”)

• Goal: To create a programming language for smart electronic devices (TVs, set-top boxes, remote controllers, etc.)

At that time, existing languages like C and C++ were not portable enough. Every device needed a separate version of the code. The Green Team wanted to make a portable and secure language that worked on all devices.

2. The Language Was Born as "Oak" (1991)

• The new language was initially named Oak, after an oak tree outside Gosling’s office window.

• Oak was designed to be:

  • Platform-independent

  • Compact and reliable

  • Secure and simple

But later, they found that “Oak” was already a trademarked name for another software product. So they had to rename it...

3. Java is Named and Officially Launched (1995)

• The team brainstormed names like “DNA,” “Silk,” “Lyric,” but finally settled on Java ☕.

• Why “Java”?

  • It was short, catchy, and unique

  • Inspired by Java coffee from Indonesia

In May 1995, Sun Microsystems officially launched Java 1.0 at the SunWorld conference.

4. Java’s Breakthrough on the Web (Mid to Late 1990s)

• Java became popular with the rise of the Internet.

• Web browsers like Netscape Navigator started supporting Java Applets, allowing small programs to run inside web pages.

• Developers loved Java for:

  • Its ability to run the same code anywhere (Write Once, Run Anywhere)

  • Built-in security features (sandboxing applets)

5. Java Versions and Growth Timeline

6. Oracle’s Role in Java (2010 Onwards)

• In 2010, Oracle Corporation acquired Sun Microsystems.

• Oracle continued Java development, maintaining:

  • JDK (Java Development Kit)

  • JRE (Java Runtime Environment)

  • Java EE (Enterprise Edition)

🔧 Oracle made Java updates faster and more regular, introducing a six-month release cycle starting from Java 10.

7. Java Today (Modern Era)

• Java is still one of the top 3 programming languages globally.

• Used in:

  • Android App Development

  • Web servers and backend apps

  • Banking and enterprise software

  • Scientific and Big Data apps

Why Java Stood the Test of Time

• ✅ Platform independence (JVM)

• ✅ Strong memory management

• ✅ Huge developer community

• ✅ Backward compatibility (old programs still work)

• ✅ Regular updates with new features