"The Internet is an opportunity for the best products to win. Java is great technically and people want it."
Bill Joy, cofounder, Sun Microsystems
In 1991 Sun Microsystems formed "the Green project" to create a new computer programming tool for the next generation. Trying to anticipate what would happen next in the computing world, the team led by James Gosling agreed that a likely future trend would see the convergence of digital consumer products with computer technology. Perplexed by the number of different types of computer platforms that existed, they decided to create a "write once, run anywhere" programming language that would work on any device. In order to interest the digital cable television industry, they mocked up an interactive home entertainment controller. However, the technology—featuring animations, a touch screen, and a networking ability similar to the Internet—was so advanced that the companies could not see a use for it.
But the team realized that by allowing media and small programs to be distributed over a network, their programming language was a perfect match for the World Wide Web. In 1994 they created a demo that brought to life animations, moving objects, and dynamic executable content inside a web browser. In 1995 it was incorporated into the Internet browser Netscape Navigator. The Java platform's versatility, efficiency, and portability means that it is now found in devices ranging from PCs to credit cards.
