Java is a high-level, general-purpose, object-oriented programming language designed to be platform-independent, allowing it to run on any system with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This "write once, run anywhere" capability has contributed significantly to its widespread adoption. Developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems in the early 1990s, Java was initially called Oak and intended for use in interactive television before being renamed. The first version, Java 1.0, was released in 1995 and quickly gained popularity due to its portability and security features. Its syntax is similar to C and C++, which made it familiar to many programmers.
Java is used in a wide range of applications, including mobile apps (particularly for Android), enterprise software, web development, and game programming. While its popularity has seen some decline in recent years with the emergence of newer languages, it remains one of the most utilized programming languages. Java has evolved significantly since its initial release, with regular updates introducing new features and performance enhancements. As of September 2025, Java SE 25 is the latest version, with Oracle continuing to provide no-cost public updates for Java 8. The symbol of Java is a coffee cup, inspired by the coffee the developers drank while creating the language.