The Java(tm) Language Environment: A White Paper

Written by James Gosling & Henry McGilton

This paper provides a detailed discussion about the design goals, merits, and attributes of the Java programming language. This document also includes a chapter on the HotJava browser--a useful World-Wide Web browser that demonstrates the power of Java.

For a brief overview of the Java language, please refer to The Java(tm) Language: An Overview. For a brief overview of the HotJava browser, please refer to The HotJava(tm) Browser: An Overview.

Table of Contents

Copyright Information

Introduction to Java

1.1 - Beginnings of the Java Language Project
1.2 - Design Goals of Java
1.3 - The Java Base System
1.4 - The Java Environment--a New Approach to Distributed Computing

Java--Simple and Familiar

2.1 - Main Features of the Java Language
2.2 - Features Removed from C and C++
2.3 - Summary

Java is Object Oriented

3.1 - Object Technology in Java
3.2 - What Are Objects?
3.3 - Basics of Objects
3.4 - Summary

Architecture Neutral, Portable, and Robust

4.1 - Architecture Neutral
4.2 - Portable
4.3 - Robust
4.4 - Summary

Interpreted and Dynamic

5.1 - Dynamic Loading and Binding
5.2 - Summary

Security in Java

6.1 - Memory Allocation and Layout
6.2 - The Byte Code Verification Process
6.3 - Security Checks in the Bytecode Loader
6.4 - Security in the Java Networking Package
6.5 - Summary

Multithreading in Java

7.1 - Threads at the Java Language Level
7.2 - Integrated Thread Synchronization
7.3 - Multithreading Support--Conclusion

Performance and Comparisons

8.1 - Performance
8.2 - The Java Language Compared
8.3 - A Major Benefit of Java: Fast and Fearless Prototyping
8.4 - Summary

The HotJava World-Wide Web Browser

9.1 - The Evolution of Cyberspace
9.2 - Freedom to Innovate
9.3 - Implementation Details
9.4 - Security
9.5 - HotJava--the Promise

Further Reading