Development Software -4GL's

Java

Overview | Basics | Evolution

Overview

An interpreted language designed for use on the Internet..

 

Basics

Java is an interpreted language, executed via a program on the client or within a browser.

Java programs that run on the client are called applications (such as the new Office suite from corel); those that run within a browser are called applets.
Java compilers generate intermediate code (called "p-code" or sometimes "byte code"), not executibles. Clent based interpreters provide some protection from unauthorised access but extract a performance penalty.

"Just in Time" compilers are emerging where the p-code is compiled into an executable on the client then run.

Java Evolution

1991

Apr

Apr - "Green" project started

1994

Sep

Hotjava prototype demonstrated

1995

May

Java and Hotjava announced

 

Nov

JavaScript announced by Sun and Netscape

 

Dec

Java licensed by Microsoft, IBM and SGI

1996

May

Additional API's, Java Beans announced

 

Oct

Java virtual machine introduced for browsers by Netscape and Microsoft
Java virtual machine added to OS/2 by IBM
Java software developers kit beta ships.

1997

Mar

JavaSoft segments Java development into four.

 

Apr

SunSoft's James Gosling introduces Java Foundation Classes

 

 

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