Java is a cross-platform, object-oriented programming language enables programmers to write software that will execute on any computer capable of running an interpreter. This is a significant advantage over other programming languages which force the programmer to re-write their software for each processor or operating system combination.
Java programs are compiled into applets (small programs that run on a Web browser) or applications (more extensive, standalone programs), but compiled code contains no machine code. Instead, the output of the compiler is bytecode, which can be transmitted via computer networks, including the internet. A Web browser (or other clients) receive the bytecode, interprets it into machine code, and then runs the program. See bytecode, C++, certificate, compiled program, interpreted programming language, applet, application, bean, Development Kit, Virtual Machine.