Glossary of Java Terminology: A Beginner’s Guide

Every developer should have a strong understanding of Java terminology if they want to excel in their field. Java currently runs on over three billion mobile devices, making it one of the most popular programming languages in the world. As a Java developer, familiarizing yourself with our list of Java terms will help you communicate and collaborate more efficiently with colleagues, peers, and clients.

Our glossary of Java terminology covers some basic terms that you will frequently come across. This will help any novice developer get a headstart. Our cheat sheet will examine more advanced terms that you won’t use every day, but are essential if you want to become a professional developer.

What Is Java?

Java is an object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995. Developers prefer Java to other languages because it is a general-purpose language and offers lesser implementation dependencies. It is flexible and can work on different operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Java is used as the server-side language across a variety of backend projects including mobile applications, web applications, cloud computing, big data analysis, and gaming.

Who Uses Java Terminology?

Java terminology is most commonly used by software engineers, programmers, and developers. However, due to Java’s versatility, Java terminology can be used across many different industries. Notable examples are software developers, game developers, data analysts, network administrators, and cloud engineers.

List of Java Terms: Things Every Java Developer Should Know

1. Application Programming Interface
2. Bytecode Compiler
3. Class Files
4. Control Structure
5. Data Type
6. Garbage Collection Algorithm
7. Integrated Development Environment
8. Java Archive
9. Java Development Kit
10. Java Exception
11. Java Native Interface
12. Java Operator
13. Java Platform Editions
14. Object-Oriented Programming
15. Parallel Programming
16. Return Type
17. Runtime Type
18. Source File
19. Subroutine Call Statement
20. Variable

Glossary of Java Terminology: 5 Common Java Terms

Continue reading as we examine five basic terms that Java developers use on a day-to-day basis. This glossary of Java terminology will help you kickstart your career as a Java developer.

Abstract Class

An abstract class is a class that is declared as abstract by a keyword in Java. This means that the class cannot be instantiated and it is impossible to create an object. Instead, it is inherited by other classes.

Why Java Developers Needs to Know About Abstract Class

Java developers employ abstract classes for data abstraction. They prevent users from viewing the complex block of code and only show them the necessary information. Developers need to understand how to use Java keywords to effectively use abstract methods.

Data Type

A data type is a specifier that determines the value size and type that can be contained in a variable. There are two main data types, primitive types and non-primitive types. Examples of primitive types are float, character, integer, and boolean. Interfaces, arrays, and classes are examples of non-primitive types.

Why Java Developers Need to Know About Data Types

Java is a strongly typed language. Therefore, as a Java developer, a clear understanding of data types will result in strong type checking. This will prevent errors and make your code more reliable.

Java Operators

Java operators are special symbols used to perform specific functions on variables and values. Java operators include arithmetic operator, logical operator, complement operator, binary operator, relational operator, and bitwise operator.

Why Java Developers Need to Know About Java Operators

Java operators are an integral part of Java programming, as they define the value and quantity of variables. Java developers must learn about operators to be able to perform logical and arithmetic operations in our programs.

Object-Oriented Programming

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming model that uses the concept of classes and models. OOP emphasizes the objects that the developer creates rather than the logic and function to manipulate them. The four principles of object-oriented programming are inheritance, encapsulation, abstraction, and polymorphism.

Why Java Developers Need to Know About Object-Oriented Programming

Object-oriented programming is a basic programming paradigm that every developer needs to know because it reduces complex code blocks to simple structures. This makes it easier to debug and allows object types to be used across different programs. JavaScript, Python, and C++ are examples of other OOP languages.

Variable

A variable is a placeholder for data values. It possesses a variable data type that determines the type and quantity of value that it can later assume. It also serves as a memory location name for the data. There are three types of variables in Java, namely local variables, instance variables, and class variables.

Why Java Developers Needs to Know About Variables

Variables are a vital program component of Java. Furthermore, they are a basic requirement in any programming language. Developers must know how to declare and initialize type variables to code in Java.

Java Terminology Cheat Sheet: 5 Advanced Java Terms

Java developers should be familiar with more advanced Java terminology if they want to succeed. While these additional terms may be slightly difficult to comprehend for novice coders, we have done the hard work for you. Read on as we break down five advanced Java terms.

Application Programming Interface

An application programming interface (API) is an interface that allows computers or computer programs to interact with one another. It acts as an abstraction layer that processes data transfer between systems. When you send an instant message, send a tweet, or look at Google maps on your mobile device, you are using an API.

Why Java Developers Should Know About Application Programming Interfaces

APIs are an important part of any developer’s toolset. As a Java developer, you’ll use them to connect Java components on the same system. They also allow you to interact with code from other systems through API integration.

Integrated Design Environment

An integrated design environment (IDE) is an open-source software environment that offers all the basic tools required to develop and test software. It contains all the programming tasks in one application such as the code editor, debugger, and compiler.

Why Java Developers Should Know About Integrated Design Environments

IDEs make it easier to build and test your software. Without an IDE, you have to manage all the tools that you need to develop your software separately. An IDE hosts all these tools on one platform, allowing you to work in an organized manner. Notable examples of Java IDEs are Eclipse, BlueJ, Apache NetBeans, and Xcode.

Java Development Kit

Java development kit (JDK) is one of the core technology packages for developing Java applications. It provides a programming environment consisting of the Java Runtime Environment, Java Virtual Machine, interpreter, documentation generator, archiver, and compiler.

Why Java Developers Should Know About Java Development Kits

Developers need JDKs to develop applications and run java programs. They offer a collection of tools, executables, and libraries that helps to convert the source code into a format that the Java Runtime Environment can understand and execute.

Java Exceptions

A Java exception is any issue that arises during program execution that may disrupt the flow of the program’s instructions. When this happens, the class method creates an exception object which contains the error message and details about the error. There are two types of java exceptions, unchecked exceptions and compile exceptions, also called compile-time exceptions.

Why Java Developers Should Know About Java Exception

Java exceptions happen due to a wide range of factors such as non-existent files, syntax errors, memory errors, and missing resource files. Developers need to learn about Java exceptions so they can handle errors properly and write an exception handler code to fix the underlying issues.

Java Platform Editions

Java platform editions are the programming environments where Java applications run. They contain a Java virtual machine and an application programming interface that allows applications and programs to run. There are several types of java platform editions and the most popular editions are Java 2 and Java 8.

Why Java Developers Should Know About Java Platform Edition

Java developers must build their applications to be compatible with their preferred Java edition. Moreover, developers must be familiar with the current versions of each edition. These include Java Platform Enterprise Edition (Java EE), Java Platform Micro Edition (Java ME), Java platform standard edition (Java SE), and JavaFX. Future versions are released every two years.

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How Can I Learn Java Terminology in 2022?

The best way to learn Java terminology in 2022 is by enrolling in a Java bootcamp. These coding bootcamps offer short-term intensive courses that aim to equip students with in-demand, tech skills to build a successful career. Alternatively, there are plenty of online java courses available.

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