What makes Java different from other programming languages?
On several levels, Java is different from other programming languages. For potential developers, these differences present several unique challenges. To address these challenges, a job market niche has emerged to provide skilled programmers who understand the Java Development Kit. In particular, the language’s cross-platform capabilities have created a demand for a class of programmers who can write with a large end-user base in mind.
Sun Microsystem’s flagship programming environment has long been associated with embedded web software. However, this does not mean that there is no need for regular applications. In fact, there is a set of graphical user interface tools called Swing that attempts to emulate several different operating systems. Java is said to be the “write once, run anywhere” development architecture, so this kind of cross-platform technology is particularly important. People who want to find a job in the world of Java could find a niche in the development of Swing.
Other companies may want to hire based on knowledge of the Abstract Window Toolkit. This is an alternative to Swing and tries to emulate the operating system that is currently running. This is a marked difference from Swing’s GUI architecture, as an application written in Swing will generally look the same regardless of what type of operating system it is running on. Since it preserves the appearance of the type of system software being used, some developers prefer to use this method. Of course, prospective job applicants who have experience working with these two sets of tools will have an edge over the competition.
With the rapid growth of mobile devices, Java ME is on the rise. This is a version of the platform for use on embedded devices. Programmers with experience working with this system may have an advantage, because it is a standard system for these types of architectures. However, some developers are beginning to see the system as old news. However, even these companies might want to hire developers with experience in Java as well as another system. As people turn to Google Android or Windows Phone 7 as their marketing platform, they will surely still want to be able to sell products to users of more than 2 billion Java Me devices around the world.
We live in a digital age where the role of Java (and others) is growing and becoming more and more important.