What is Java?

An Object Oriented Programming Language developed at Sun Microsystems
A Virtual Machine (run-time environment) that can be embedded in web browsers (such as Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and IBM WebExplorer) and operating systems
A standardized set of Class Libraries (packages), that support:
- creating graphical user interfaces
- controlling multimedia data
- communicating over networks

Detailed Description:

"Beyond just the program language with its syntax and semantics, Java has something called a virtual machine. The Java virtual machine executes instructions that a Java compiler generates. This run time environment, or Java virtual machine, can be incorporated or embedded in various products, such as web browsers like Netscape Navigator. In addition, the Java virtual machine can also be incorporated into the kernel of the operating system, such as IBM's OS/2 operating system."