Introduction
What if I tell you that Java turns out to be one of the oldest and most successful programming languages available across the globe? Well, often known as a general-purpose programming language, Java seems to have owned its runaway success to WORA (Write Once Run Anywhere) to successfully eliminate platform dependencies, especially during the time of executing the application. The language was pretty easy to write, compile, debug, and learn which certainly led to the development of modular programs and reusable codes. It can be said that there was a point when Java did lose its hype and many believed that soon it would vanish. Fortunately, that’s not the case, the programming language not just bounced back but also gained recognition with the concept of the Internet of Things. The following post focuses on why Java turns out to be the most perfect choice for IoT systems development.
Though Java did lose its shine a while ago GitHub has rated Java as one of the most popular programming languages and has been the backbone for a wide range of technologies that have emerged and IoT is one of those. In one way or the other, it can be said that IoT was the one that brought Java back from its grave. Now let us understand the concept first.
IoT as a concept
IoT, often known as the Internet of Things, is the concept of connecting any and every device to the internet and other connected devices in some crucial way. IoT can be considered a giant network of connected people, computing devices, machines, objects, and everything else possible across the globe.
There was a time when computing chips were pretty expensive but that’s not the case anymore. Today computing chips are pretty inexpensive and offer high bandwidth telecommunication, today millions and millions of devices are found connected to the internet. So even if it's your toothbrush, vacuum cleaners, cars, or machines, IoT sensors can easily ensure seamless collection of data and respond significantly to the end users.
Now let us understand the overall working of IoT device,
Smart devices - As the name implies, these are basically devices such as television, camera and exercise equipment, featuring great computing capabilities. Here ample data is collected from the environment, user inputs, usage patterns, and communicates data over the internet to and from its IoT application.
IoT applications - Now IoT applications are basically a series or collection of different services and software which integrates data received from a wide range of various IoT devices. Here machine learning and artificial intelligence technology is being used for conducting accurate analysis, and assisting well in making well-informed decisions. These decisions are communicated back to the IoT device and the IoT device then responds intelligently to inputs.
A graphical user interface - Lastly, the IoT device or fleet of devices can be managed via a graphical user interface. Mobile apps and website applications are some of the best examples to consider here.
Concrete Examples of IoT Devices
- Connected Cars - The concept of connected cars has been pretty much in vogue these days. Right from smart dashcams to infotainment systems, accelerators, brakes, speedometers, odometers, wheels, fuel tanks, or even the vehicle's connected gateway, the concept of connected cars is pretty much known as the IoT concept. The benefits of connected cars include:
Increased fuel efficiency and reduced costs
Notifying friends and family automatically in case of a car crash
Predicting and preventing vehicle maintenance needs.
- Connected Homes - Another example of IoT includes smart home devices which highly focus on enhancing the efficiency and safety of the space. Several devices can be integrated to enhance home networking such as smart outlets monitor electricity usage and smart thermostats provide better temperature control. Here you have hydroponic systems where IoT sensors can be highly considered for managing the garden area and IoT smoke detectors that can detect tobacco smoke, Home security systems like door locks, security cameras, and water leak detectors can detect and prevent threats, and send alerts to homeowners.
Automatically switching off devices
Rental property management and maintenance
Finding misplaced items such as keys and wallets
Automating daily tasks like vacuuming, making coffee, etc
- Smart Cities - With the inception of IoT applications, urban planning and infrastructure maintenance is pretty much possible. Most of the IoT-based applications are used for:
Measuring air quality and radiation levels.
Reducing energy bills with smart lighting systems.
Detecting maintenance needs for critical infrastructures such as streets, bridges, and pipelines.
Increasing profits through efficient parking management.
- Smart Buildings - It may quite interest you to know that businesses such as college campuses and commercial buildings have the potential to use IoT applications to drive great operational efficiency.
Reduce energy consumption
Lower maintenance costs
Utilize workspace more efficiently
Java and IoT - A Match Made in Heaven
Why Java need to be considered for IoT development, you must be wondering. You see the technology is a pretty great option for developing dependable, scalable, and highly secured connected devices. Down below I would like to mention some of the primary benefits of considering Java for your upcoming IoT development project.
Portability
Java promotes the write once and runs anywhere concept which is pretty revolutionary in the field of the Internet of Things. The bytecode successfully can be executed on different devices which support Java Virtual Machine (JVM), this ensures seamless connectivity with a wide range of devices. You see Java developers now can function seamlessly across a wide range of platforms due to its insane portability. As a result, development becomes easier and faster. In fact, with the inception of Java in IoT devices, it is easy to reuse code and manage numerous code bases for a wide range of IoT devices.
Robust Security Features
Security is a very crucial aspect that must be considered now and then. Java hits extremely hard in this area, you see the technology offers a wide range of built-in security capabilities like security manager and cryptography APIs. Here the tech ensures to development of access control, secure communication protocols, and encryption. Also, Java comprises automated memory management, where it is possible to prevent bugs seamlessly.
Extensive range of tools and libraries
You see, a rich range of tools and libraries are very important if you are willing to conduct a kickass development project. Somehow Java is one such technology that features a wide range of resources available including different libraries, data processing, device management, MQTT clients for effective IoT communications, and a lot more.
And for resource-constrained IoT devices, we have Java SE Embedded and Java ME Embedded versions. Java frameworks such as Eclipse IoT include amazing capabilities for device administration, data collecting, and analysis. Moreover, the development is sped up with the assistance of this large toolkit that enables Java developers to concentrate on proper innovation instead of making fresh versions.
Community Support
The benefit of the large and active community of Java cannot and shouldn’t be ignored at any rate. You see the active JavaScript community has been proven as a significant asset for IoT development. The extensive network offers a wealth of knowledge, and resources and supports a wide range of developers across the globe. Developers can access a wide range of forums, tutorials, and open-source projects simply dedicated to Java-based IoT solutions.
The community successfully contributes to enhancing existing tools and creating new ones ensuring Java is at the forefront of IoT technology. You see community support ensures easy access to best practices, troubleshooting help, and innovative ideas, fostering rapid development and problem-solving in IoT projects.
Scalability and Performance
Last but certainly not least, Java-based applications, especially every kind of application, are well-suited in regards to scalability and performance. It successfully manages concurrent operations, which is essential for simultaneously controlling several Internet of Things devices.
Just-in-Time (JIT) compilation is one of Java's best performance enhancements which ensures apps are executed well even on every kind of device. Java seems to have the potential to scale both vertically and horizontally and becomes extremely important as IoT networks expand. Now it is possible to handle enormous amounts of data and devices. Here you have a strong threading mechanism and effective memory management, which makes it way more appropriate for developing small-scale applications and large-scale IoT deployments.
By harnessing Java’s Power, you will receive results such as:
Streamlined Application Procedure
Real-Time Notifications and Updates
Easy Navigation
Enhanced decision making
Platform independence
Scalability and flexibility
Rich Ecosystem
Device Communication
Enhanced security
Conclusion
Java’s universal nature, robust security, better performance, wide range of libraries, scalability, and large and active community make it one of the most suitable candidates for IoT systems across the globe. Surviving in today’s cut-throat competitive world can be extremely tough, fortunately, such collaborations can assist us well in unlocking the door to a future.
Key Takeaways
Focus on the Java Basics
Try experimenting with different IoT Projects
Do seek assistance from the large community
Keep learning and evolving
So now you know why Java turns out to be the most perfect choice for IoT systems across the globe. Don’t wait any longer. It’s high time to begin your journey of IoT development with Java.
I hope the following post did turn out to be insightful. In case you have any doubts or queries, feel free to mention them in the comment section below. Also, it would be great if you could share the post and help us out in spreading the word among your peers.