Originally known as oak, Java is a programming language developed by James Gosling and others at Sun Micro-systems.

That was first introduced to the public in 1995 and today is widely used to create Internet applications and other software programs. Today, Java is maintained and owned by Oracle.

When used on the Internet, Java allows applets to be downloaded and used through a browser, which enables the browser to perform a function or feature not normally available. Unlike JavaScript, the users must download or install the applet or program before being able to utilize the Java program.

Below is an example of a Java applet from Sun and a method of testing if Java is installed on your computer. If Java is installed on your computer, you should see additional information about the installed Java version and your operating system.

Java is also used as the programming language for many different software programs, games, and add-ons. Some examples of the more widely used programs written in Java or that use Java include Adobe Creative Suite, Eclipse, Lotus Notes, Minecraft, OpenOffice, Runescape, and Vuze.