What is Java?

The Java programming language lets you write powerful, enterprise-worthy programs that run in the browser, from the desktop, on a server, or on a consumer device. Java programs are run on and interpreted by another program called the Java Virtual Machine (Java VM). Rather than running directly on the native operating system, the program is interpreted by the Java VM for the native operating system. This means that any computer system with the Java VM installed can run a Java program regardless of the computer system on which the application was originally developed. Java is a high level programming language like C, Fortran, and others. High level programming language is closer to human language and further from assembly language. Java is most similar to C and shares much of C's language. However, knowing C is not required to program in Java, but it will help you.