Java At 30: How A Language Designed For A Failed Gadget Became A Global Powerhouse
ZDNet, Friday, May 30th, 2025
It was never the sexiest language, but for decades Java has been a mainstay of modern technology, and it's going to be with us for years to come.
Some programming languages, such as Rust, Go, or TypeScript, are cool. Others, including Cobol and Java, are regarded as dull. However, while Java, which turned 30 on May 23, may not be the most exciting language, it remains one of the most important languages in use today.
First released by Sun Microsystems on May 23, 1995, Java's journey from a niche project for consumer electronics to a global powerhouse in enterprise, cloud, and web development is a story of vision and adaptability.