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, and boolean.
  • Each primitive type has a fixed size and a defined range of values.
  • byte, short, int, and long 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 and double 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 or false).
  • Understanding these primitive types is critical in being able to effectively design, write, and troubleshoot Java programs.