Description: Java is a programming language originally developed by Sun Microsystems and launched in 1995. While generally compiled to byte code, direct hardware execution of byte code by a Java processor is also possible. Currently, almost all of Java’s software is available under the GNU General Public License. Hence it has become free software. The Java programs most identifiable characteristic is that is platform independent, meaning that it should be able to be written and compiled once, and then be able to be run anywhere.