Java Resources
What is Java? | Installing Java | Programs & Applets | Learning More | About JavaScript
What is Java?
Java™ is a programming language currently most visible when you go to Java-enhanced web pages but also in Java-based applications such as OpenOffice.org and many on-line games. Created by Sun, Java is now owned by Oracle, an established company long associated with corporate software rather than consumer software.
Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Java is a Cross-Platform Environment
Java is a cross-platform environment used to create regular programs that can run on virtually any operating system and on thousands of other devices. The only requirement is that a Java virtual machine (JVM) or Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is available for the operating system or device.
Java's "run anywhere" merely requires that a device or operating system have a Java interface (the JVM or JRE) that translates Java into something the operating system or device can understand.
Special Note to Windows XP Users
Microsoft Java Virtual Machine, Microsoft's Java "alternative" is no longer supported. Although Sun allowed for a transition period beginning in 2003, this period expired June 30, 2009 and MSJVM is now obsolete.
All Windows XP users need to download and install Java as Microsoft's built-in JVM is not safe to use.
Installing Java
Download the latest version of Java for your operating system:
- Oracle's Consumer Java Site.
- Get the latest Java version automatically.
- The Java Downloads for All Operating Systems page has offline installers for various installations.
- You can test your Java installation.
- The Java Verification page.
Java for Linux
- How to install Java for Linux.
- The Java Downloads for All Operating Systems page has several offline installers for Linux.
Java for Mac
- Apple provides their own version of Java. Use the Software Update feature on the Apple menu to check for the most current Java available for your Mac.
- Apple's Java downloads for the Mac.
- OS X Lion does not provide a Java runtime by default.
Uninstalling Older Versions
Java Programs and Applets
The most common use of Java is still small programs called applets, but there are Java programs.
- OpenOffice.org is a multiplatform and multilingual office suite.
- LibreOffice.org is another multiplatform and multilingual office suite (a break-away from OpenOffice).
- Polarbar Mailer a 100% pure Java email application that runs on all platforms supporting Java (somewhat dated now, but an interesting application).
- Freewarejava.com has applets and other Java resources.
- JavaShareware.com for Java applications, applets, JavaBeans and more.
- IBM's Java-based Applications Page includes IBM applications and other technologies running under Java.
- IBM Java Developer Page.
- IBM's AlphaWorks New Java Technologies - IBM's cutting edge Java technologies.
- BlueJ is freeware used to teach object orientation with Java.
Learning More About Java
- Oracle's Java Site. Oracle purchased Sun, the originators of Java technology.
- The Java Lobby — The heart of the Java developer community — is a non-profit organization working to promote and support Java as a cross-platform solution.
- The History of Java Technology.
- ITtoolbox Java - content, community, and service for Java professionals..
- Gamelan: Earthweb's Java Directory - one of the best Java sites.
- The comp.lang.java FAQ List is a Java FAQ list for the comp.lang.java newsgroups with historical value.
Java Security
“Since the inception of Java technology, there has been strong and growing interest around the security of the Java platform as well as new security issues raised by the deployment of Java technology.” — Sun's Java Security Architecture
Because security vulnerabilities are discovered all the time, the best policy is to update to the most recent version of Java when it becomes available.
About JavaScript
JavaScript is a scripting language primarily used to make websites dynamic such as creating rollovers and other effects. This use of JavaScript is sometimes referred to as Dynamic HTML (sometimes referred to as DHTML).
JavaScript is Not Java
While both Java and JavaScript are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. (now owned by Oracle), JavaScript is not Java.
Java uses applets or programs which need to be compiled to work while JavaScript uses text scripts to alter behaviour of text, images and links.
More About JavaScript
The following pages have more detailed information about JavaScript and how it differs from Java:
- Java.com's What is JavaScript and how is it different from Java Technology?
- Understanding the Differences Between Java and JavaScript includes a series of other JavaScript resource links.
Using JavaScript in Web Design
For more information about JavaScript and how to use it to enhance your website, visit the Web Design Resources page.
www.RussHarvey.bc.ca/resources/java.html
Updated: December 17, 2011
