The Java programming language emerged roughly 25 years ago, when Smalltalk and C++ dominated. Back then it was easy to argue that the world didn't need another object-oriented programming language.

Every programming language comes with a learning curve, but Java shares many similarities with C, C++ and JavaScript. Anyone with experience in any of those languages will pick up Java syntax quickly.

While Python continues to be the runaway leader in Tiobe’s monthly index of programming language popularity, C, C++, and Java are engaged in a fierce battle for second place. Currently in fifth place, ...