Java platforms

There are three key platforms upon which programmers develop Java applications:

• Java SE. Simple, stand-alone applications are developed using Java Standard Edition. Formerly known as J2SE, Java SE provides all of the APIs needed to develop traditional desktop applications.

• Java EE. The Java Enterprise Edition, formerly known as J2EE, provides the ability to create server-side components that can respond to a web-based request-response cycle. This arrangement allows the creation of Java programs that can interact with internet-based clients, including web browsers, CORBA-based clients and even REST- and SOAP-based web services.

• Java ME. Java also provides a lightweight platform for mobile development known as Java Micro Edition, formerly known as J2ME. Java ME has proved a very popular platform for embedded device development, but it struggled to gain traction in the smartphone development arena. In terms of smartphone development, Android has become the mobile development platform of choice.