Java is a programming language and computing platform that was first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It is widely used for building web applications, mobile applications, and enterprise software. Java is known for its platform independence, as Java programs can run on any device that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed. The language is object-oriented, with a syntax similar to C++. Java also has a large ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools that make it a popular choice for developers. It is used in a wide range of industries, including finance, telecommunications, and e-commerce.