New to Java technology


	1. What is Java technology?

	2. Getting started with emerging Java technologies

	3. How can I improve my Java programming skills?

alphaWorks provides emerging Java technologies for every skill level: learning the Java programming language, fine-tuning your skills, or using emerging technology components to speed development time as you innovate with your own applications. In addition, demos, discussion forums, and resources allow you to interact with creators of the technology and the broader user community.

1. What is Java technology?

Java technology is both an object-oriented programming language and a platform developed by Sun Microsystems. Java technology is based on the concept of a single Java virtual machine (JVM) -- a translator between the language and the underlying software and hardware. All implementations of the programming language must emulate the JVM, thus enabling Java programs to run on any system that has a version of the JVM. Learn more about Java technology from the developerWorks library of articles and tutorials.


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2. Getting started with emerging Java technologies

Emerging Java technology is available in the following categories on alphaWorks:

APIs - Application Programming Interfaces are sets of classes, interfaces, and principles of operation that constitute a Java extension. They are scalable for use in domains ranging from first-party call control in a consumer device to third-party call control in large, distributed call centers.
Application Development - Application development resources vary from information for developers and software managers to tools and applications that provide time- and cost-effective foundations for solution development.

Components - Java components are self-contained elements of software that can be controlled dynamically and assembled to form applications.

Developer Kits - These include Software Development Kits for compiling and class files for coding Java.

IDEs - Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) use an editor pane to display source code and indicate the correct line. An IDE allows collaboration on projects using a platform of choice.

Reference Implementation - This category includes extended classes and code for adding to existing Java functionality.

Utilities – These are a large collection of useful tools for creating Java applications, including tools that parse numbers into integer, long, or double values, non-numerics, and string padding.


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3. How can I improve my Java programming skills?

Various alphaWorks technologies can help you learn and improve your Java programming skills. If you’re a beginner, try out the following technologies: CodeRuler or CodeRally, both of which are programming games ideal for helping Java novices to become familiar with the Java programming language while competing in fun games.

If diagnostics and testing are what you are after, here are some popular alphaWorks technologies to try out on your applications:

Structural Analysis for Java, a technology that analyzes structural dependencies of Java applications in order to measure their stability.

Diagnostic Tool for Java Garbage Collector, A diagnostic tool for optimizing parameters affecting the garbage collector when using the IBM Java Virtual Machine.

HeapAnalyzer, which allows the finding of a possible Java heap leak area through its heuristic search engine and analysis of the Java heap dump in Java applications.

In addition, the developerWorks Java technology zone provides a wealth of resources about XML; these include articles, tutorials, and tips.

Browse through the numerous new Java technologies or search for a Java topic to find a technology of interest to you. You can also join the discussion about any alphaWorks technology in order to learn more. And let us know what you think; your feedback is important to us is shaping the alphaWorks site and what we bring you.