While scientific programs are less frequently written in Java than in C++, in certain contexts, such as internet applications, the enhanced Java feature set significantly shortens development time. Since many high-level constructs in Java reflect an involved and largely hidden underlying structure that often precludes a description in terms of a compact set of underlying principles, the subsequent discussion focuses on compact code samples that illustrate the most significant aspects of the language. Once a basic understanding of Java has been acquired, specialized programming tasks can often be addressed by extending these samples while consulting a full list of the specialized functions available in the language.

While numerous free integrated Java development environments exist, flags can be set inadvertently, leading to anomalous behavior that often proves difficult to correct. Additionally, the details of the Java file structure which constitutes an important feature of the language are often obscured. This text therefore employs a command-line compiler, the Java DISLIN graphics package and a text editor. Downloading, installing and testing these components is described below.