Jul 11
5 Ways Java was Used to Brew Magic
By Aditi Bhat
Java shows no signs of aging or slowing down. Despite the addition of several new programming languages to the list in over two decades of Java’s existence, none can really replace Java’s value or popularity amongst developers.
So what makes Java so popular with the coding community? And why are IT boot camp training courses flooded with applications from students willing to learn it?
Java - Stronger than ever
The greatest reason Java has survived the winds of change is because it’s a simple language. Java is also platform independent, meaning it can run on different machines be it Windows, Linux, Ubuntu or Mac etc., as long as it has JRE installed. Did you know in Java objects do not contain references to external data making it highly secure? Programmers also prefer Java because it is fundamentally object-oriented.
In roughly 23 years of Java’s existence, the language has been used by NASA, major banks and insurance companies, game developers, Android app developers and students passionate about coding to brew magic and unleash the potential of this language.
Let’s see the five ways in which JAVA was used to brew magic:

Source: Codemesh
NASA World Wind
World Wind is an open source software developed by NASA that works somewhat like Google Earth in showing zoomed in images of the planet. It uses satellite images to let users see high quality and rich 3D images from up close. NASA World Wind is written in JAVA. Since it is open source, you can customize the code and extend it for your purpose.
World Wind also comes as a Java component that can be integrated with applications. Once integrated, World Wind can be used for including earth imagery and 3D modeling into your application. Java was employed in this software for the language’s high performance graphic rendering abilities. Performance wise, Java beats any interpreted language as it is in byte codes.
So, if you had a childhood dream of working for NASA, Java is your ticket to get there. Why not begin by taking up an IT certification training course and understand the dynamics of this evergreen programming language?
Project Looking Glass
Project Looking Glass isn’t used as much these days. The software was used to create innovative 3D desktop environment for Windows, Linux, and Solaris. Looking Glass used Java language primarily for its programming with Java 3D APIs.

Source: Softpedia
UltraMixer
Ever tried your hands at UltraMixer to create your own remixes? UltraMixer is a virtual DJ software for mixing and sequencing music on the go. The entire application is written in Java and C++. Java’s dynamic nature lets it support functions from other native languages like C++ too, making it a perfect tool for creating applications using multiple coding languages.

Source: Sweet Home 3D
Sweet Home 3D
It is an interior design software that allows designers to develop floor plans as well as interiors and even plan furniture placement using 3D viewing. Sweet Home 3D is written in Java.
Java allows developers to create complex and feature-rich apps. Game engines too use 3D world environment. Many cross platform game engines like the DimensioneX Multiplayer Engine are written in Java.
Pixelitor
Love editing photos? Then you must be familiar with Pixelitor, which is written in Java. The image editor supports functions like drawing, adding filters, creating layers, colour adjustment etc.
Innovation in every sip
Java is going strong and long. It has evolved with technology and continues to hold its ground as a language used for developing Android apps. Java’s motto – write once, run anywhere makes it a language of choice for many coders. Students and professionals can learn Java by enrolling in short term courses or part time courses.
Quick tip: It would help to have prior knowledge of programming in C++ as it is also an object-oriented language.