Java Technology
Java is a specification (Java Language Specification). A specification is
usually a document with a set of requirements that an implementation has to
satisfy. The Java Language Specification (henceforth, JLS) is now in its third
edition. Note: Please visit the "More Information" section below
to download all three previous JSL specifications in HTML, PDF, and PostScript
formats. These downloads are highly recommended for interested readers.
The Java programming language is Sun's implementation of the JSL. The Java
programming language is a general-purpose, concurrent, class-based,
object-oriented language derived from C & C++ without some of its complexities
and designed specifically for easy adoption.
The Java programming language and all related technology implementations
continuously evolve through a process called Java Community Process (JCP). The
JCP is primarily responsible for the development of the Java Technology as a
whole and is open for anyone to participate. JCP itself is built on its own
specification.
JCP handles the technology evolution though the Java Specification Requests
(JSRs). JSRs are formal documents that describe proposed specifications and
technologies to be added to the Java Platform. At any time there are JSRs in
various stages of proposal/approval that potentially could become part of the
Java Platform. A final JSR is an approved specification along with a reference
implementation (implementation of the technology with source code).
Java Technology Platform
Java technology platform is an object-oriented, platform-independent,
multithreaded programming environment. It is the foundation for Web and
networked services, applications, platform-independent desktops, robotics, and
other embedded devices. Java Technology comes in three different platform
editions; they are described below:
