What is Java? Java is an object-oriented third-generation programming language developed by Sun Microsystems during the mid-nineties. Java was created by a programmer named James Gosling.

The following description was obtained from Whatis.com:

Java is a programming language expressly designed for use in the distributed environment of the Internet. It was designed to have the "look and feel" of the C++ language, but it is simpler to use than C++ and enforces a completely object-oriented view of programming. Java can be used to create complete applications that may run on a single computer or be distributed among servers and clients in a network. It can also be used to build small application modules or applets for use as part of a Web page. Applets make it possible for a Web page user to interact with the page.