Java Definition and some related terminologies

Java Definition and some related terminologies

Java  

Definition

New generation, general purpose, versatile programming language that can run on virtually any type of computer (is 'platform and device independent'). Developed in 1995 by James Gosling of Sun Microsystems specifically for network  heavy environments such as internet and enterprise intranets), it is a major part of the information infrastructure being developed all over the world. Like the C++ language (on which it is based) Java is object oriented: meaning its programs are built with 'modules' of code (like the Lego bricks) which can be employed in building new programs without rewriting the same code. However (unlike C++) it is an interpreted language and therefore has longer execution time than the compiled languages, although the gap has considerably narrowed over the last few years.

Object oriented programming (OOP)
Definition

Programming paradigm that views a computer program as a combination of data structures (called objects) which can exchange information a standardized manner, and can be combined with one another as modules or blocks. Each object is independent (can be changed without affecting other blocks), can run (execute) by itself, and can be interlocked with other objects. Objects interact by passing information among each other, and each object contains information about itself (a property called encapsulation) and the objects it can interact with (a property called Inheritance). Major OOP-oriented languages are C++, Java, and Smalltalk.

Structured query language (SQL)

Definition

English-like set of commands used in accessing, editing, or updating, information stored in a database. Invented by International Business Machines (IBM) Corp., in 1974, SQL continues to be enhanced and (having been adopted by both ANSI and ISO), is a de-facto worldwide standard. Capable of running on practically every computer from mainframes to handheld ones, it comprises of about 60 commands of which four (SELECT for data retrieval, UPDATE for data insertion, DELETE for data removal, and INSERT for data insertion) are the most basic. However (unlike BASIC or Java) it is not a complete programming language capable of creating usable application programs, and must be embedded in another programs or employed through computer languages that can include SQL commands.

Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML)

Definition

Standard text based computer language for creating electronic (hypertext) documents for the web or offline uses. Being a 'mark-up' language, the value of HTML lies not so much in designing a visual structure (fonts, line spacing, layout, etc.) of an electronic document but in formulating its logical structure. The logical structure permits 'intelligent' information processing that is a prerequisite for the information's organization, indexation, communication, and discovery on the web. HTML supports inclusion of audio, video, and animation into an electronic document through helper software such as ActiveX, Java applets, Quick-Time. See also Extensible Markup Language. Abbreviated HTML.

Portability
Definitions (2)

1. Ability of a software to run (with little or no modification) on different hardware and/or software platforms, or work with different versions of the same hardware or program. In general, software written in Java has this ability.

2. Ability to carry a benefit, interest, or right (such as pension benefits) from one environment (such as a pension plan) to another.

Applet
Definition
Small utility program, designed to perform a specific function within a larger program. On the internet, applets are used to make a webpage more attractive, interactive, and useful. Written commonly in Java language, their applications range from animation and 'hit counters' to sophisticated search engines.

Java virtual machine (JVM)

Definition

Java operating program that sits on top of a computer's operating system and runs Java applets and other Java programs. Called virtual machine because the environment it creates for executing the Java code behaves like a computer separate from the one it is running on, and can be installed or removed without interfering with the computer's operating system.