Java is a programming language developed by Sun Microsystems and taken over by Oracle as of 2010. Java for Android is essentially the use of the Java programming language in developing Android apps. As mentioned above, it is the original and official language for Android development and enables developers to build apps via the Android Software Development Kit or SDK. It gives developers access to a variety of APIs and tools within Android Studio to ensure the applications developed are robust and perform well.
Java offers a wide range of different features for various types of applications however, here will take a look at the elements that are particularly useful for Android applications.
Java uses an object oriented programming approach which in turn, enables developers to create modular, reusable code that is easy to maintain.
Java offers a wide variety of libraries that provide developers with pre-built functionalities for the user interface, data storage and network access. These components are reusable and can save developers significant time and effort by negating the need to write common functionalities from scratch.
Android Studio is Android's official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and so naturally, it fully supports Java, offering up features including code completion, debugging tools and emulators - all very much welcome by developers looking to save time and effort.
Java has solid, built-in security features including automatic memory management, secure class loading and Bytecode verification - all of which help to reduces the risk of vulnerabilities in Android (and indeed all) apps it is used to develop.
Java has an established community of developers, many of which still actively contribute on topics and support on Java for Android specifically. Whilst not as prevalent as it once was due to the uptake on alternative programming languages such as Kotlin, there is still plenty of help and support available.
There are a number of reasons why organisations choose to use Java the write their Android applications. Here, we take a look at some of the most common use cases.
Java is widely regarded for it's scalability and robustness and because of this, it is still a popular choice for developing large scale, enterprise level Android apps that require elements such as complex business logic, heavy data processing and/or integration with backend systems.
Many businesses already use Java in their backend services and enterprise applications so by using Java for new Android applications, it is easier to integrate these apps with your existing Java based infrastructure. Using Java for Android ensures consistency across systems, especially when your business has a large codebase already written in Java.
Depending on the version of Java you're using, you can expect support until at least 2026 (Java 11), 2029 (Java 17), or 2030 (Java 8) according to Oracle's Long Term Support (LTS) policy. This makes Java a solid choice for applications requiring longevity and evolution as these versions receive regular updates, ensuring they remain secure and relevant over time.
Java's cross platform capabilities are essentially powered by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) which allows developers to write code that runs on multiple different platforms. As we have noted above, whilst Android uses the Android Runtime (ART) instead of a standard JVM, Java’s compatibility ensures that apps remain portable across environments. This makes it easier to extend these Java based Android apps to other platforms such as desktop applications or backend services.
For those looking for a mature, stable programming language that has stood the tests of time for their application development - Java is the way to go.
Our Android Java developers have tons of experience developing and maintaining Android apps using Java. We can help you develop new applications, take over the development of applications that are partially completed or provide updates and enhancements to existing apps. Come and have a chat with us today!
If you dont like filling in these forms, or you would prefer to speak on the phone or via email then please use one of the below:
0115 772 2751