Java has become one of the most renowned programming languages, mainly due to its popularity on mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. It is also used extensively by web designers and developers.

Java was developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995 and released in 1996 as a core component of their Java platform. The Java platform consists of Java Development Kit (JDK), a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and an application programming interface (API). The API includes the Java Application Programming Interface (API).
 

Java ranks fifth in the category of most used programming languages worldwide, as per Statista. It holds popularity of 35.35%. The infographic below offers clear insights into the popularity of the Java language.

Source: Statista - Top Programming Languages 

With tons of features, Java is compatible with a large variety of applications. However, what is Java used for exactly? 

Java was designed to run on any hardware or operating system with no change in code required. Since then, it has become a notable industry standard and one of the most commonly used programming languages globally. It is suitable for a broader range of applications, including Fintech, e-Learning, Mobile apps, Embedded systems, etc.

If you're not sure what is Java used for strictly, or if you want to learn more about what Java can do, you have landed on the right page.

This guide will help you analyze where Java comes into play and how it can benefit your business.

Here's the list:

• Web App Development -Facilitating Deployment over Multiple Browsers

• Desktop GUI Applications -Ensuring an Intuitive UI

• Enterprise Application -Providing Tons of Libraries

• Mobile Application Development -Experience Native UX

• E-Learning Apps -Creates New Features in Less Time

• Scientific and Research Section -Leverage JVM for Smooth Development Cycles

• Business & Finance Applications -High Performing Apps 

• Big Data Technologies -In-Memory Processing

• Trading Applications -High Performing Clusters 

• Embedded Systems -Code Consistency

Let’s explore these Java applications in detail.

10 Major Applications of Java

1. Web App Development - Facilitating Deployment over Multiple Browsers

Diverse web applications differ in development approaches, yet they all use similar concepts. Web applications rely on elements to function properly, including server-side technology, code running on the user's browser, and data.

Creating a website or an online store requires a user interface (UI) and server-side programming language such as PHP or ASP, backend databases like MySQL, etc. Java is a proven excellent option for web development projects as it offers reliable, scalable, and secure solutions that developers can easily integrate with other technologies.

Notably, there are plenty of tools in Java that help developers create websites and applications faster than ever before.

2. Desktop GUI Applications - Ensuring an Intuitive UI

The latest major release of Java is a significant shift from previous versions. It provides new language features for code brevity. More contemporary developments in Java include server-side platforms, trading platforms, online games development, and embedded systems.

It also offers long-awaited functional programming constructs like lambda expressions and method references that should help ease pain points for developers writing a lot of boilerplate code. All of it makes Java an excellent choice for developing desktop GUI applications.

3. Enterprise Application - Providing Tons of Libraries

An enterprise application is a software application used to help companies manage their daily business operations. It's also known as an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system and can be integrated with other applications to help streamline internal processes such as:

• Accounting, 

• Inventory Management, 

• Project Management, 

• Human Resources, and 

• Customer Relationship Management

Examples of famous enterprise applications include SAP (business software), PeopleSoft (business software), Oracle's Fusion Applications (customer relationship management), etc.

These applications are examples of large-scale computing systems that require vast amounts of money to buy and maintain on behalf of business customers. Java proves beneficial for such large-scale computing systems as it comes with a set of libraries, tools, and APIs that can be used to build robust enterprise applications.

4. Mobile Application Development - Providing Native UX

Smartphones have overtaken desktop and laptop computers as our primary tool for browsing web pages, checking email, and even playing games. It isn't surprising that we all seem to be carrying around a powerful computer in our pockets.

Mobile apps take advantage of these powerful devices by creating dynamic, highly-interactive programs perfect for mobile use. By hiring Java developers, you can quickly develop mobile applications on multiple platforms, including Android and iOS.

Java leverages top frameworks like PhoneGap or Appcelerator Titanium, reducing development time and cost. Using Java, different businesses benefit from mobile applications, including cloud-based services, finance, e-commerce companies with physical stores, etc. 

5. E-Learning Based Apps - Creates New Features in Less Time

Source: Statista

Creating education-based apps comes with its own sets of challenges and issues. With Java, it's easier to develop new features and build scalable products that can run on multiple platforms without changing lines of code.

Java allows developers to create rich user interfaces and applications, interact with network services, access databases, play media files, parse XML documents, and much more using a standard API set supported across all platforms.

6. Scientific and Research Section - Leverage JVM for Smooth Development Cycles

Java is among the most used programming languages in science and research sections worldwide. The reason for that is that it is platform-independent, meaning that it can run on any operating system and hardware, thus saving millions of dollars to those making tools for research. Java is also straightforward to learn, but there are a few different versions, so you have to be careful with which one you use.

Besides being used in schools and laboratories worldwide, Java has found its way into your daily life as well. It is being used more frequently in technological devices like iPhones, PlayStations 3 & 4, Xbox One & 360, and more!

7. Business & Finance Applications - Creates High Performing Apps 

Java has several advantages, and the notable ones include it being a secure and robust programming language that provides a wider range of options in terms of its use in various applications. It is also considered a language with several high-level features, thus making it easy for developers to use JVM (Java Virtual Machine).

The virtual machine helps in the easy deployment and execution of Java applications within any environment. Java is very valuable because it doesn't take up memory on a machine that runs high-traffic websites or services.

It allows sites like Google Docs, eBay, and Facebook to work efficiently with minimal lag time. You should note that these sites already had widespread acceptance before adopting the Java language.

However, with Java, these apps now spare significant effort otherwise necessary to reinvent an existing engine or platform. All these features make Java an undeniable good choice for creating fintech applications.

8. Big Data Technologies - Leverage In-Memory Processing

The Java-based framework comes with designs that meet specific requirements of different sectors. It has a vast array of applications in various fields. Java is compatible with Big Data Technologies as it comes with in-memory processing and high performance.

The latest version of Java includes support for functional programming, cloud computing, and multi-threading technologies required for developing big data solutions. Many frameworks are available in Java-like Hadoop, Apache Spark, etc., which developers can use to solve real-time problems related to big data analytics. 

9. Trading Applications - Experience High Performing Clusters

Source: Statista

Trading programs written in Java can run on various systems. These applications hold the potential to run from single-user desktop applications to ultra-high performance computing clusters. Traders use them to monitor markets, manage risk and make trades. Some trading apps are web-based, while others offer rich user interfaces accessed via a dedicated client app or a browser plug-in.

Most trading applications are written in C or C++ and deployed on Linux, with some limited deployment on Windows. The source code is compiled to JVM bytecode using tools like javac, which also package it up into .class files.

Once compiled, developers can run it on any platform with a JVM installed. Some trading firms deploy an enterprise-grade JVM such as Sun's HotSpot for mission-critical applications. 

10. Embedded Systems - Code Consistency

Using Java for writing embedded system applications has become common as Java offers a powerful combination of portability, performance, and security. It is possible to write an application in Java that will run on almost any platform with a JVM installed.

These include mobile phones, routers, televisions, and set-top boxes. Embedded systems are found in many other devices such as printers, microwave ovens, and washing machines. It is a compiled language which makes it ideal for systems where memory space is at a premium and speed is essential.

Final Words

So, I hope you have a clear answer to the query: what is Java used for? Java makes it easier for developers to create their programs without dealing with complex coding issues.

In addition, there are several frameworks available online that allow students to create their games using simple commands. These commands are easily understandable by even beginners who have never written a single line of code before.

However, it is not feasible for a novice to ensure a high-performing app for an enterprise as many complexities are involved in a development project. To create a high-performing app, you need assistance from top Java development companies.