The Java programming language is a high-level, object-oriented programming language 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 Java popular for building web applications, mobile apps, and large-scale enterprise systems. Java is known for its simplicity and readability, making it accessible for beginners while still being powerful enough for experienced developers. It has a rich set of libraries and frameworks, such as Spring and Hibernate, which help streamline the development process and enhance functionality.