Overview of Java language characteristics
Java is an object-oriented programming language designed around the principle of "write one, run anywhere (WORA)". This means compiled Java code can run on any platform that supports Java without needing to be recompiled. Key characteristics include:
- Fully Object-Oriented: Everything in Java is associated with a predefined object; even the main method must reside within a class. Java uses interfaces to support multiple inheritance instead of the multi-inheritance model found in C++.
- Cross-Platform: Java programs run on various operating systems (Windows, Unix, Linux, etc.) provided the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is installed. This portability exists at both the source code level (consistent data types across hardware) and the binary level (bytecode).
- Portable: Java applications can execute across different hardware and operating systems.