A software platform developed by Sun Microsystems. The Java platform has been specifically developed so that programs written for it will look and function approximately the same regardless of the device it is running on.
The Java platform is usually split into three parts:
History
Sun project. Stealth Project started by Patrick Naughton and later renamed to "The Green Project" headed by Patrick Naughton, James Gosling, and Mike Sheridan. Language creator: James Gosling. Originally called Oak (after the oak tree outside Gosling's window). Start date: December 1990
Java and the green OS demoed Summer 1992.
Original project: PDA like device called Star7 after '*7' telephone feature. Demo'd Sept 3, 1992.
Nov 1992, Green Project renamed FirstPerson.
1993. Respone to Time-Warner for a set top box. FirstPerson targeted that area, but the set top box platform failed to generate interest in the cable TV industry.
June/July 1994. After 3 day brain storm session with John Gage, James Gosling, Bill Joy, Patrick Naughton, Wayne Rosing, and Eric Schmidt, they decided to used the technology for the internet.
1994. Oak renamed as Java after a search found that the name had already been copyrighted for another language. Java chosen at a local coffee shop for the names James Gosling, Arthur Van hoff and Andy Bechtolsheim.
First public release: May 23, 1995. Joint release between Sun and Netscape. Annoucement done by John Gage Director of the Science Officer for Sun Microsystems, Inc. and Marc Andreessen, Executive Vice President of Netscape at SunWorld.
January 1996. JavaSoft company was formed.
Additional Information
See also: