Java is a versatile, object-oriented programming language known for its "write once, run anywhere" capability. Created by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems in 1995, it has since become one of the most popular programming languages worldwide.

Key Features of Java

Platform independence
Object-oriented programming
Strong typing
Automatic memory management
Rich standard library

Getting Started with Java

To begin programming in Java, you'll need to install Java on your system. This includes the Java Development Kit (JDK) which provides the necessary tools to compile and run Java programs.

Your First Java Program

Let's create a simple "Hello, World!" program to demonstrate basic Java syntax:


public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
    }
}

This program demonstrates several key concepts:

Class definition: public class HelloWorld
Main method: public static void main(String[] args)
Output statement: System.out.println()

Basic Java Concepts

As you delve deeper into Java, you'll encounter these fundamental concepts:

Variables and Data Types

Java uses variables to store data. Each variable has a specific data type:


int age = 25;
double height = 1.75;
String name = "John Doe";
boolean isStudent = true;

Control Structures

Java provides various control structures for decision-making and looping:

Object-Oriented Programming

Java is built around the concept of classes and objects. This paradigm allows for modular, reusable code:


public class Car {
    String model;
    int year;

    public void startEngine() {
        System.out.println("Engine started!");
    }
}

Next Steps

As you continue your Java journey, explore these important topics:

Remember, practice is key to mastering Java. Start with small projects and gradually build your skills. Happy coding!