The Java programming language

The Java programming language was created by Sun Microsystems in the 1990s. It initially came with core libraries that offered limited functionality. Over the years Sun and private java developers have been working together through the open source initiative to extend the Java programming language’s functionality and its libraries. Because Java is open source it is free for individuals and businesses to use.

Recognizing that "one size doesn't fit all," Sun has regrouped its innovative Java^TM technologies into three editions: Micro (J2ME^TM technology), Standard (J2SE^TM technology), and Enterprise (J2EE^TM technology). Each edition is a developer treasure chest of tools and supplies that can be used with a particular product:

Java virtual machines* that fit inside the range of consumer devices
a library of APIs that are specialized for each type of device
tools for deployment and device configuration
a profile, that is, a specification of the minimum set of APIs useful for a particular kind of consumer device (set-top, screenphone, wireless, car, and digital assistant) and a specification of the Java virtual machine functions required to support those APIs

Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE^TM) software is the premier solution for rapidly developing and deploying mission-critical, enterprise applications. Version 1.4 builds upon Java technology's cross-platform support and robust security model with new features and functionality, enhanced performance and scalability, and improved reliability and serviceability.

The Java^TM 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE) defines the standard for developing multitier enterprise applications. J2EE simplifies enterprise applications by basing them on standardized, modular components, by providing a complete set of services to those components, and by handling many details of application behavior automatically, without complex programming.

J2ME technology specifically addresses the vast consumer space, which covers the range of extremely tiny commodities such as smart cards or a pager all the way up to the set-top box, an appliance almost as powerful as a computer.

All of these Java 2 Platforms are downloadable from http://java.sun.com.

Included on the site are java programming tutorials, free java programming tools, sample java applications, documentation on java products and java libraries, forums for asking questions about java and Java certification information.