Java is a general purpose ,object oriented programming language developed by sun micro system of USA in 1991 by James Gosling ,This language was initially called as OAK but was renamed JAVA in 1995.
Java was developed for the software for consumer devices like TV, VCR, and so on. The main Goal of java is to make a language simple portable and highly reliable.
We can develop two types of java programs

• Stand-alone applications
• Web applets

Sand- alone applications are program written in java to carry certain tasks on stand –alone computers. Applets are small java programs developed for internet applications.
Java Evolution1990 sun Microsytems decide to develop a special software.1991 Announced a new language named Oak1992 Demonstrate the application of this new language to control the home appliances1993 Came up with the idea of developing web based applets1994 Hot java browser was developed to run and locate the applet program1995 Oak was renamed as Java due to legal snags.