Multiple Editions

The Java language has evolved over the years. The first major edition, now known as J2SE (Java 2 Standard Edition) was aimed at the development of GUIs, applets, and other typical applications. A few years ago Sun expanded the Java suite with J2EE (Java 2 Enterprise Edition), which was built for use in server-side development. This version included expanded tools for database access, messaging, content rendering, inter-process communications, and transaction control.

Sun didn't stop there, though. With a desperate desire to satisfy every programmer on the planet, they set their sights on teeny-weeny devices (yes, that's the true technical term), and thus the rather ingeniously named J2ME (Java 2 Micro Edition) squeaked into existence.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of that edition, take a look at how and why Java found a home in the micro world.