Programming languages have evolved tremendously since early 1950's and this evolution has resulted in over hundreds of different languages being invented and used in the industry. This revolution is needed as we can now instruct computers more easily and faster than ever before due to technological advancement in hardware with fast processors [1].

Nowadays, one of the most widely used popular programming languages is Java. It is designed to solve a number of problems in modern programming practice. Java started as a part of a larger project to develop advanced software for consumer electronics. These devices are small, reliable, portable, distributed, real-time embedded systems [2].

I think there are three main reasons why Java is so popular:

1. It is free unlike the other rivals.

2. Platform independence (Write Once Run Anywhere). Briefly, once you write the application, it can run in many different environments.

3. Automatic Garbage collection (Memory management)

Besides, Java's standard library does a great job of handling multithreading, memory management, and network operations. In addition, since Java works on multiple platforms, it offers unique opportunities to develop part or all of your program on a desktop computer [3].

There were five primary goals in the creation of the Java language [4]

1. It should use the object-oriented programming methodology.

2. It should allow the same program to be executed on multiple operating systems.

3. It should contain built-in support for using computer networks.

4. It should be designed to execute code from remote sources securely.

5. It should be easy to use and borrow the good parts of older object-oriented languages like C++.

The Java language makes programming easier as it is object-oriented and has automatic garbage collection. Additionally, since compiled Java code is architecture independent, Java applications are ideal for various environments such as mobile devices and the Internet.

The 1990's saw the developments of fifth generation languages like PROLOG, referring to systems used in the field of artificial intelligence, and neural networks. This means computers can in the future have the ability to think for themselves and draw their own inferences using programmed information in large databases [1]

I personally think that the mobile market (PDAs, Blackberry, Mobile Phones, GPS systems etc.) and the Internet together made the Java Language a "star". So, as long as the popularity of these technologies continues, Java will continue to evolve and its popularity will remain in the market.

Tayfun Bilsel

References:

[1] http://www.doc.ic.ac.uk/~nd/surprise_96/journal/vol2/mjbn/article2.html

[2] http://java.sun.com/docs/overviews/java/java-overview-1.html

[3] http://www.parallax.com/javelin/articles.asp

[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_(language)