What is Java and How Does it Relate to Hosting?

First released by Sun Microsystems in 1995, Java is a computer programming language that provides no-cost runtimes on computing platforms. Soon after its release, major web browsers began to quickly incorporate Java into their web pages for smooth, reliable rendering.

Today, Java remains one of the most popular programming languages in the world, especially among client-server web applications. With a dedicated developer base ranging in the millions, Java is one of the leading general-purpose computer languages in existence.

Java is used to create fast-loading, eye-catching applications and websites. Where Java sets itself apart from other programming languages is its ability to embed applications, which makes it fast and highly functional for a variety of devices and platforms including mobile phones and smartphones running iOS and Android, as well as Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux platforms.

Much of the internet now relies on Java to render efficiently. For this reason, many web developers host their websites on Java servers. Although they may sometimes cost more than other hosting services, Java hosting plans are reliable, efficient, and secure.

To help you decide if Java hosting is right for you, we put together a comprehensive guide below.

Java 101

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s go over the history of Java. This way, you can better understand its significance and why it is the preferred option among so many web developers.

Led by a tight-knit team of software engineers, Java began as an exploratory project at Carnegie Mellon University. The first version of “Oak” (what would later be renamed “Green” and finally “Java”) was released in June 1991 and built on a C/C++ programming syntax designed for computer application programmers.

When the official Java 1.0 released in the mid-1990s, it was predicated on a “Write Once, Run Anytime” (WORA) system. The WORA system allowed for fast and secure application runtimes that only needed to be loaded once before it could be run anywhere, anytime on a network.

Over the years, Java has undergone numerous revisions and re-launches to accommodate new technologies, APIs, and devices. These versions include:

• JDK 1.0 (1996)
• JDK 1.1 (1997)
• J2SE 1.2 (1998)
• J2SE 1.3 (2000)
• J2SE 1.4 (2002)
• J2SE 5.0 (2004)
• Java SE 6 (2006)
• Java SE 7 (2011)
• Java SE 8 (2014)
• Java SE 9 (2017)
• Java SE 10 & 11 (2018)

Since Oracle Corporation acquired Sun Microsystems in 2009, Oracle has championed the promotion of Java and has been responsible for spreading it to new systems and devices, including video game consoles and data centers. Across its many iterations over its lifetime, Java has operated according to the following key design principles:

• Robustness and security
• Architecture-neutral and portable
• High performance
• Threaded and dynamic
• Simple and familiar

What Sets Java Apart?

Since it first launched over two decades ago, Java has faced stiff competition from other programming languages, including C, C++, and HTML5. However, from 2002 until the present day, the TIOBE programming language popularity index has ranked Java the number-one language over its competitors.

The question then arises: why is Java and Java hosting providers the preferred solution among so many developers and users? To answer this question, you only need to glance at the following benefits that Java boasts over the alternatives, including:

• Java is universally available across all devices and operating systems, including Mac OSX, iOS, Android, and Windows
• Java is easier to learn than most other languages, with many classes and tutorials dedicated to advancing knowledge of Java programming and Java hosting
• Java is a continual work-in-progress that is constantly being refined and re-released to offer Java web hosts, Java hosting providers, and users new benefits
• Java is extremely popular and the default language among many programmers, Java hosting providers, and developers

Java Server Hosting

Java Server Hosting is a custom solution for those who have used Java to create their website. Java web hosts are a safe and reliable option for many because Java has been in operation for over two decades and has a proven track record of success, no matter whether you choose Java cloud hosting or traditional Java hosting. 

Best Java Hosting Providers

We recommend shopping around for the best Java hosting provider or Java web host to host your website. However, we suggest checking out the latest promotions for cheap Java hosting from the best Java hosting service such as:

• SiteGround - Our #1 choice for java hosting
• A2hosting
• InMotion Hosting
• HostGator
• Hostinger

All About the Java Virtual Machine (JVM)

First introduced in 1994, the Java virtual machine (JVM) is an emulation of a computer system that allows Java programs to be run, as well as other programs,  are written in languages compiled by Java bytecode. In other words, a JVM is an abstract machine that makes Java-written codes readable in environments where they otherwise wouldn’t be.

Without JVM, Java simply wouldn’t work the way it does. Raw Java code is always compiled using the JVM bytecode to make the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) accessible to any computer system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Java is a high-level computer language created with the intention of making programs compatible across all devices. However, there’s a lot more to this complex system than that alone. Below, we’ve taken some of the most common questions we’re asked about Java and answered them one-by-one.

Is It Possible to Run Java Applets on Hostgator?

Unfortunately, Hostgator Java hosting is not currently available for all hosting plans. As of 2019, the Hostgator system is unable to install Tomcat-Java applets on Virtual Private Servers (VPS), but can install Tomcat 7 on Linux or Windows Dedicated Servers.

What’s the Difference Between Java and JavaScript?

Despite what some assume, Java and JavaScript are not the same. JavaScript is a different, unrelated programming language that is used in website development, alongside HTML and CSS. JavaScript is used to make web pages interactive and responsive to user input.

What is Apache Tomcat?

Apache Tomcat is an open source software package developed by the Apache Software Foundation and first released in 1999. Tomcat implements the Java EE specifications to make it easier for developers to provide a “pure Java” environment. Some of the best Java Tomcat hosting and free Java hosting tomcat providers include Hostgator and Bluehost.

What is Java GlassFish?

Similar to Apache Tomcat, GlassFish is open source software that implements the Java EE Reference requirements. In so doing, GlassFish makes it easier to provide a complete and seamless Java experience for your web page, and includes the newest features whenever they are released. With a little research, you can find free Java hosting GlassFish providers to host your website.

Where Can I Find Cheap Java Hosting?

One of the most attractive selling points of website hosting Java is that you can find cheap Java hosting for less than what most competitors offer. Many Java hosting providers offer basic plans that start at only a few dollars per month, charged annually. Take your time shopping around for the perfect cheap Java hosting provider at an affordable rate. 

What Is Java Cloud Hosting?

In recent years, platform as a service (PaaS) cloud computing models has risen in popularity, which offer access to computer servers remotely via the internet. The PaaS model is a wise choice for hands-off web developers who want Java hosting or Java cloud hosting without doing any of the heavy lifting, such as server maintenance or temperature cooling.

There are many affordable options on the market if you’re looking for a Java cloud hosting PaaS package. We recommend looking at SiteGround, Hostgator, or one of the several other premium Java cloud hosting providers to find the best deal for your hosting needs.

Where Can I Find Java Hosting with a MySQL Database?

Many Java developers find that MySQL, a free and open source database management system, provides an excellent complement to the Java programming language. It should come as no surprise, then, that many Java APIs include libraries which can be used to access MySQL databases.

If you want to include the MySQL database query language into your hosting service, look into Java MySQL hosting options or free hosting for Java and MySQL. Ensure that you read the terms and conditions of your existing hosting package to see if Java Tomcat MySQL hosting is available under your current plan.

Can I Build a Website Using Java?

Of course. Aside from website hosting Java is widely used for web development. Today, many leading web developers use Java as their go-to framework for developing responsive, cutting-edge websites. Much like Ruby, PHP, and HTML/CSS, Java can be mastered to build accessible and attractive web pages.

Are There Alternatives to Using Java?

When it comes to client-side programming, Java is one of the best options given that it is designed to be accessible across various platforms. However, alternatives to Java exist, such as JavaScript, which can be loaded in web browsers faster than Java in most cases.

There are also several alternatives to the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for Windows and Mac operating systems. Some of the most common JRE alternatives include:

• Rust Alpha 1.0
• Python 3.7.0
• Visual C++ Express
• DART CD Recorder 4.1.3
• D&D Beyond 1
• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2

Be mindful that many alternatives to Java are older and less efficient than Java. For instance, Perl and C++ are sometimes heralded as superior programming architectures to Java. However, it should be noted that other languages, such as the Scala language, are operable on a Java virtual machine anyway.

Where Can I Find Free Trial Java Hosting?

If you would rather try Java web server hosting services before committing, there are plenty of free trial options available to choose from. A few of our favorite Java web host providers that have free trial promotions include:

• DigitalOcean
• JBoss Hosting
• Evolution Hosting
• Assorted Internet

Be advised, however, that free trial Java hosting offers limited service compared to their paid counterparts. For this reason, we usually advise against using free Java EE hosting unless you’re questioning whether your website would benefit from hosting web services in Java.

Should I Choose Java over the .NET Framework?

As a Microsoft development, the .NET Framework should be used by those who operate in a Windows environment and already use services and tools made by Microsoft. Since Java is, by its very nature, a cross-platform programming language, we suggest using Java hosting services since you will be able to access more resources and supported devices.

What Are JavaServer Pages?

Released in 1999, JavaServer Pages (JSP) is programming software that is used to create websites based on the XML and HTML document types. It bears a resemblance to PHP, although it is coded in Java instead.

Does Amazon Cloud Offer Java Hosting Services?

Currently, Java web applications are supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS). Amazon’s cloud services offer a host of one-size-fits-all premium solutions to host Java applications and Java-enabled web pages. For hosting Java web server applications Amazon Cloud is a formidable solution that should be considered for most large-scale projects.

Is Java Open Source?

Technically, Java is not considered open source software. This is because any developer can create their compiler to run Java codes, which can be protected as proprietary software. However, you can use open source software like the Open Java Development Kit to implement Java in an open source environment.

What Type of Domains Are Best-Suited for Java?

Today, there are plenty of Java hosting service providers that connect all types of websites across a variety of sectors to their users. A few of the most popular Java applications include retail, banking, information technology (IT) services, financial services, scientific research, and big data.

No matter whether you’re interested in paid or free Java hosting, there is a wide variety of solutions available to cater to your web hosting needs.