Why Programming? Why Java?
Why Programming? Why Java?
Why Programming?
- Programming is the process of creating a set of instructions that tell a computer how to perform a task.
- It plays an integral role in virtually every aspect of our lives, from business and finance to healthcare and entertainment.
- By learning to program, individuals gain the ability to create software, build websites, analyse data, and much more.
- It’s also a highly valued skill in today’s job market, so learning to program is a good investment for anyone.
Why Java?
- Java is a versatile, object-oriented programming language used to create applications that can run on a single computer or be distributed among servers and clients in a network.
- It’s designed to be simple and readable, minimising confusion and the possibility of programming errors.
- Java is also platform-independent, meaning it can run on any device that has the necessary runtime environment installed.
- It includes built-in support for multi-threading (running multiple tasks at the same time), which can be very useful in modern computing environments.
- Java is used widely in both industry and academia, making it a good choice for those new to programming.
Introduction to Primitive Types
- In Java, a primitive type is a data type provided by the language as a basic building block.
- There are eight primitive types:
byte
,short
,int
,long
,float
,double
,char
, andboolean
. - Each primitive type has a fixed size and a defined range of values.
byte
,short
,int
, andlong
are used to store integer values (without decimals). They differ in the range of values they can hold and the amount of memory they use.float
anddouble
are used to hold floating point numbers (with decimals).double
has a larger range and is more precise.char
is used to store single characters (‘A’, ‘b’, ‘3’, etc.).boolean
is used to store truth values (true
orfalse
).- Understanding these primitive types is critical in being able to effectively design, write, and troubleshoot Java programs.