Java is a versatile, open-source programming language and platform widely used for building robust, secure, and scalable applications. Known for its "write once, run anywhere" principle, Java enables developers to create software that runs consistently across different systems. It is extensively used in web, mobile, desktop, and enterprise applications, supported by a rich ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools.

Features of Java:

• Platform Independence: Java applications run on any system with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), ensuring compatibility across platforms.
• Object-Oriented Programming: Promotes modular, reusable, and maintainable code through its object-oriented principles.
• Rich Ecosystem: Offers a vast library of APIs, frameworks like Spring and Hibernate, and tools for building diverse applications.
• High Performance: Java's Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler and optimized runtime enhance application performance.
• Security: Provides built-in security features like encryption, authentication, and secure class loading, making it ideal for sensitive applications.
• Scalability: Designed to handle large-scale applications with ease, making it suitable for enterprise-grade solutions.

To check the version of Java: java -version

Disclaimer: Java is an open-source technology with implementations distributed under various licenses, such as the GNU General Public License (GPL). It is maintained by the Java Community Process (JCP) and other contributors.