Java Versions :

• The first alpha and beta Java public releases in 1995 had highly unstable APIs.

• The first version was released on January 23, 1996 and called Oak.

• The first stable version, JDK 1.0.2, is called Java.

• Then after version by version new features introduced and java become most popular programming language of the world.

Features added in Java1.1:

• Extensive retooling of the AWT event model.

• Inner classes added to the language.

• Java Beans.

• Java Database Connectivity API(JDBC).

• Reflection API.

• Just In Time(JIT) compiler for windows.

• UNICODE Support.

Features added in Java1.2:

• strictfp keyword .

• Swing graphical API was integrated into the core classes.

• Sun's JVM was equipped with a JIT compiler for the first time.

• Collection Framework.

Features added in Java1.3:

• HotSpot JVM included.

• RMI was modified to support optional compatibility with CORBA.

• Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) included in core libraries .

• JavaSound.

• Java Platform Debugger Architecture (JPDA).

Features added in Java1.4:

• assert keyword.

• Exception chaining allows an exception to encapsulate original lower-level exception.

• Logging API .

• Image I/O API for reading and writing images in formats like JPEG and PNG.

• Integrated XML parser and XSLT processor (JAXP) .

• Integrated security and cryptography extensions .