Java Basics
1. Introduction
Java is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language designed to be portable, secure,
and platform-independent. It follows the principle of "write once, run anywhere," meaning compiled Java
code can run on any system with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
2. Key Features
Platform Independent: Runs on any device with JVM.
Object-Oriented: Based on classes and objects for modular programming.
Robust and Secure: Handles errors effectively and provides strong security features.
Multithreaded: Supports concurrent execution of programs.
High Performance: Uses Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler for faster execution.
Rich API and Libraries: Provides a wide range of built-in libraries.
3. Basic Concepts
Syntax: Follows strict structure with semicolons and braces for code blocks.
Variables: Used to store data of specific types (int, float, char, boolean, etc.).
Data Types: Divided into primitive (int, double, char, boolean) and non-primitive (arrays, strings,
classes).
4. Control Flow
Java uses control statements to manage program logic.
Conditional Statements: Used for decision-making (if, else if, switch).
Loops: Used for iteration (for, while, do-while).
Break and Continue: Used to control loop execution.
5. Functions (Methods)
Methods define reusable blocks of code that perform specific tasks. They can accept parameters and
return values. Java also supports method overloading, allowing multiple methods with the same name but
different parameters.
6. Object-Oriented Programming
Java is built around OOP principles that promote modular and reusable design:
Class: Blueprint for creating objects.
Object: Instance of a class containing data and behavior.
Inheritance: Enables reuse of code from one class to another.
Polymorphism: Allows a method to behave differently based on context.
Encapsulation: Protects data through access modifiers.
Abstraction: Hides complex details and shows only essential features.
7. Data Structures
Java provides various built-in data structures and collections:
Arrays: Fixed-size sequences of elements.
ArrayList, LinkedList, HashSet, HashMap: Dynamic and efficient data storage structures from the
Collections Framework.
8. Exception Handling
Java provides robust error handling through exceptions, ensuring smooth program execution. It uses try,
catch, throw, throws, and finally blocks to manage runtime errors gracefully.
9. Input and Output
Java provides classes in the java.io and java.util packages to handle input and output operations. It
supports reading from and writing to files, consoles, and other data sources.
10. Packages and Libraries
Packages group related classes and interfaces, helping organize code efficiently. Java’s standard library
includes utilities for data structures, networking, GUI development, and more.
11. Multithreading
Java supports multithreading, allowing multiple parts of a program to run simultaneously. This enhances
performance, especially in complex applications like games and web servers.
12. Summary
Java is one of the most popular and reliable programming languages used in enterprise applications,
Android development, and backend systems. Its object-oriented nature, platform independence, and vast
ecosystem make it ideal for scalable and secure software development.