Java is a high-level programming language that was developed by Sun Microsystems in the mid-1990s. It is designed to be platform-independent, meaning that code written in Java can run on any device that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This feature makes it popular for building applications that can operate across different systems. Java is widely used for developing web applications, mobile applications, and large-scale enterprise software. Its syntax is similar to C++, making it easier for programmers familiar with those languages to learn. Additionally, Java has a strong community and extensive libraries, which support developers in creating robust applications efficiently.