What is Java and how does it work?

Java is a high-level programming language that can be used to create standalone applications or applets that run within a browser e.g. Netscape. To create Java applications or applets you will require a Java Development environment such as JDK.

What does Java code look like?
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/getStarted/applet/index.html

More Applet Demos:
http://java.sun.com/applets/index.html
http://java.sun.com/applets/archive/beta/Voltage/index.html
http://java.sun.com/applets/archive/beta/DiningPhilosophers/index.html

Resources

Java tutorial and info:
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/index.html

Introduction to Java:
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/getStarted/intro/index.html

What is Java:
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/getStarted/intro/definition.html