Java is both a programming language and a computing platform. The former allows you to develop applications and the latter allows you to run the applications that you, or others, develop.

2024 is a great time to start working with Java, because 2023's Java 21 release has some amazing new features. Here's how to quickly download and install the Java 21 JDK.

Click on the major version you want to download from the "Java SE" list. For example, choose "Java SE 6" if you want to download any version number ranging from Java 6.0 to Java 6.43.

Java programming tools span a wide variety of categories and technologies. Review this comprehensive list to narrow down which tools you need to improve software development.

Java has endured radical transformations in the technology landscape and many threats to its prominence. What makes this technology so great, and what does the future hold for Java?