Java is the object-oriented programming language that has taken all areas of the Internet industry by storm. Much of the attraction towards Java lies in its ability to work across platforms - meaning any program that runs on Windows machines will also work on Mac and UNIX operating systems.
The most common Java programs are applications and applets. Applications are stand-alone programs, such as the HotJava browser. Applets are similar to applications, but they don't run stand-alone. Instead, applets adhere to a set of conventions that lets them run within a Java-compatible browser. Applets are essentially embedded in HTML pages for Web viewing.

Java's Beginnings The idea for Java was initially hatched in 1990 when a handful of developers at Sun Microsystems set out to build a device that could control everyday consumer appliances ranging from toasters to VCRs. Soon this vision was expanded to include a device that could potentially serve as an interface to the Internet. By late 1991, an object-oriented programming language called Oak had been developed.
Sun wanted to build a system that could be programmed easily without a lot of esoteric training. While they found C++ to be unsuitable for their needs, they designed Java as closely to C++ as possible in order to make the system more comprehensible.
In January, 1995, the Oak programming language was renamed Java, just as it began to attract serious attention from the greater Internet community.

Applets: Applets are behind many of the interactive techniques being employed across the Web. Examples include scrolling stock tickers and rotating banner advertisements. There are some excellent applet resources on the Web, one of which will soon be here. For now, Gamelan is the host of numerous applets and other resources.
Sun has several excellent online papers which discuss Java in greater detail. The Java Language: An Overview is a good place to start, and The Java Tutorial is helpful to anybody trying to learn the language.
In the premier issue of Ziff-Davis Internet Megasite, Online Editor Albert Pang explored the Java industry in a three-part series: Java Journey: A Rough Road to Corporate Acceptance, A Candid Conversation with Sun's Eric Schmidt, and Making Money on Java.
Our java section offers an excellent toolbox section, complete with the prices, platforms, product reviews and download links for most Java development tools on the market. Also check out our comprehensive resource area, packed with programming tutorials, industry analyses, usenet groups, and related articles.