- Java was originally created in 1991 by Sun Microsystems to develop a programming language that could be used to control various home entertainment devices from a single hand-held device. This led to the creation of Java, originally called Oak. - Java is a cross-platform language that can run on various operating systems. Java programs can be standalone applications or applets that require a web browser to run. - The Java compiler converts Java source code files with a .java extension into bytecode files with a .class extension. The Java Virtual Machine then executes the bytecode instructions.