Some Java Components

Three Java platforms are available for disparate environments and many packages are restricted to the most appropriate platform. The Java Platform, Micro Edition (Java ME) targets environments that have limited computing resources such as cell phones and PDAs, among others. The Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE) targets normal workstations while the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) targets large business or web related environments spread over many locations (distributed).

1. Java's core libraries consist of basic object, math, input-output, concurrency, and 'collection' libraries used to build objects that hold lists, trees, arrays, etc. XML parsing libraries and security related libraries also form part of the core packages.
2. Integration libraries allow programs to communicate with databases (Java Database Connectivity or JDBC), other devices or directories on the system (Java Naming and Directory Interface or JNDI). Some packages allow programs to call components on remote computers such as RMI and CORBA.
3. Libraries used for building graphical applications and user interfaces include the famous AWT or Abstract Windowing Toolkit and Swing.
4. The javac compiler, the Java application launcher, and the javadoc documentation tool are development tools that allow users to program in Java.
5. Plug-ins allow applets to run in web browsers; Java Web Start is used to deploy Java Applications outside the browser and helps users keep their Java applications and environment up-to-date.

Fig 1e: Java Architecture Diagram from Java.com