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About JAVA Files

A .java file is a plain text file that contains source code written in the Java programming language. Developers use these files to define classes, methods, and other parts of a program. Once written, the code is compiled into bytecode, which can run on any device with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Java files are commonly used to create applications for desktops, websites, and mobile devices. Because Java is platform-independent, the same code can often run across different operating systems.

Sun Microsystems created Java in the mid-1990s as a platform-independent programming language designed for portability and ease of use. Today, Oracle continues to develop Java, with developers utilizing it to build a wide range of applications, from Android mobile apps and enterprise server systems to desktop software and embedded devices. For example, an Android developer may write a .java file to define the behavior of an app's login screen, with the file containing code for validating user input and transitioning to the next screen once credentials are confirmed.

Developers typically write, view, and edit .java files with integrated development environments (IDEs) or text editors. Java IDEs offer helpful features not included with text editors, including debugging tools, code completion, and project management to streamline the development process. Some programmers may also use text editors, especially for quick edits or simpler projects, then compile the code using the Java Development Kit (JDK).