The Java 2 Platform (J2P) is a software platform developed by Sun Microsystems that allows developers to create and run applications written in the Java programming language. It introduced significant enhancements over its predecessor, including a more robust set of libraries and improved performance. J2P is designed to support various types of applications, including desktop, server, and mobile applications. J2P is divided into three main editions: Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE), Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE), and Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME). Each edition caters to different development needs, from small-scale applications to large enterprise solutions. This modular approach allows developers to choose the right tools for their specific projects.