This flexibility allows programs, such as "Hello, World!", to be written without access modifiers, static modifiers or a String[] parameter.

Sun pushes standardized Java for cell phones The company and its allies have begun efforts to fix problems they've encountered in creating a single Java program for most Internet-enabled handsets.

Java has endured radical transformations in the technology landscape and many threats to its prominence. What makes this technology so great, and what does the future hold for Java?