Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems (now owned by Oracle) and released in 1995. It was designed to be platform-independent, allowing developers to write code once and run it anywhere using the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Java follows the principles of simplicity, portability, and security, making it one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. Its syntax is similar to C and C++, making it relatively easy to learn for developers familiar with those languages.

One of Java’s core features is its object-oriented nature, which promotes modular programming through the use of classes and objects. This approach enhances code reusability, maintainability, and scalability, making Java a preferred choice for large-scale software development. Additionally, Java supports automatic memory management through garbage collection, reducing the chances of memory leaks and enhancing application performance. Java also includes built-in libraries and frameworks that simplify the development of various applications.