Among the most fascinating phenomena in software is the enduring prominence of Java. As both a language and a platform, Java has survived radical transformations in the technology landscape, and its own internal structure has altered along with it. How has Java remained at the center of both enterprise and open source for more than two decades? Let’s look at a few factors that stand out.
The Java Community Process
Java began life as an alternative to the conventional way of doing things—an upstart of sorts. Today, despite repeated challenges, it is recognized as a pillar of enterprise software.