Java SE, or Java Standard Edition, is a programming platform developed by Oracle Corporation that provides the core functionality for developing and running Java applications. It includes essential libraries, tools, and the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which allows developers to create desktop applications, server-side applications, and more. Java SE is widely used for its simplicity and portability, enabling developers to write code once and run it anywhere that supports Java. It serves as the foundation for other Java platforms, such as Java EE (Enterprise Edition) and Java ME (Micro Edition), which extend its capabilities for specific applications.