Java

From TheBestCaseScenario

[edit] What is Java?

Java is an OO (object oriented) programming language based on C++. Java was developed by Sun Microsystems in 1991. It is platform independent, as it is run on a JVM (Java Virtual Machine). To run a Java application, it is necessary to have a version of the JVM installed on your computer. Java programs will run the same on any platform because of this, so little to no code modification is needed to run a program on Windows, Liunx, OS X, or any other operating system you use. Java can be used in all sorts of applications, ranging from FPS games to network tools. Java is a "heavily typed language", meaning it is very concerned with sytax and code structure.

[edit] Writing code in Java

To write a program in Java, the only requirement is an installation of a JDK (Java Developer's Kit). This contains the compiler/debugger needed to take .JAVA files (the files you code) and turn them into .CLASS files (the files that the JVM uses to run a program). Java can be written in any text editor such as Notepad and gedit, or an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) like NetBeans or Eclipse.

Java has several naming conventions, that, while aren't necessary to use, are considered standard for anyone writing code. These conventions make anyone reading your code able to understand the structure well. Methods (also known as Functions) usually start with a verb, and end with something else, like an adjective or noun. The verb is usually all lower case, and the other words have the first letter capitalized. An example of a properly named method would be "runFast", or if using only a verb, "go".