Java is a general-purpose programming language that's been around since the mid-90s and refuses to die, much like that potted plant in the break room that no one waters but somehow keeps growing. It's verbose, object-oriented, and used by big enterprises to build complex systems that require a lot of plumbing.

How to use it in a sentence

• "I can't believe I have to update this legacy Java codebase from 2004. It's like trying to renovate a haunted house with nothing but a hammer and a prayer."

• "Sure, I could rewrite this in Java, but I'd rather watch paint dry while listening to a loop of 'It's a Small World' played on kazoo."

If you actually want to learn more...

• Martin Kleppmann compares Java Enterprise to Ruby on Rails, discussing their cultural differences and evaluation criteria for choosing a web framework. Ruby on Rails vs. Java Enterprise

• Paul Graham provides a list of resources for various programming languages, including some Java-related links scattered throughout. Paul Graham's Resources

• Paul Graham critiques Java from an outsider's perspective, arguing that it may not appeal to hackers due to its design for large organizations rather than individual programmers. Java's Cover

Note: the Developer Dictionary is in Beta. Please direct feedback to skye@statsig.com.