Why Java endures: The foundation of modern enterprise development
Blog post from GitHub
Java, a versatile and object-oriented programming language, has evolved significantly since its inception in 1991 by a team at Sun Microsystems led by James Gosling. Initially created for interactive television, Java's promise of "Write Once, Run Anywhere" (WORA) quickly made it a popular choice for enterprise applications due to its platform independence facilitated by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). While distinct from JavaScript, Java is utilized in a wide range of applications from backend development to mobile apps and large-scale enterprise systems, powering notable platforms like Netflix and LinkedIn. Over the years, Java has adapted to modern needs, exemplified by the release of Java 23, which introduced features aimed at simplifying development and improving performance, such as enhanced pattern matching and streamlined syntax for beginners. Java's extensive ecosystem, including frameworks like Spring and Hibernate, supports robust, scalable solutions for industries worldwide. Despite the rise of languages like Python in AI, Java remains pivotal in deploying AI solutions at scale, as seen in Uber's Michelangelo platform. Java's enduring relevance is underscored by its widespread use and the continuous development of learning resources and tools like GitHub Copilot, making it an attractive and strategic choice for aspiring and seasoned developers alike.