What is Java?
If your image of Java has everything to do with coffee and Southeast Asian islands, you may be wondering exactly how that ties in to web hosting. Here’s a quick Java overview to bring you up to speed.
Java is a very popular programming language that was developed in the mid-1990s when the web and Ecommerce were first taking off. It’s an object-oriented language that’s reasonably easy to learn and offers many great benefits including fast loading times and excellent security features.
In order to load a Java program, the computer or device will need to have a version of Java already installed. This speeds up loading time considerably.
You may have noticed Java updates on your browser or computer and accordingly you know why they are useful.
Yet, despite all the benefits that Java offers, it’s also true that the software requires a fair amount of server space and processing power in order to run. That’s where free Java server hosting and other Java hosting options come into the picture.
Why Do You Need Java Hosting?
Java is an essential component of every website, and like all the components and files on your site, it needs to be hosted - in other words, saved on a server - in order to work.
The processing power, memory and storage space needed to support a website running Java would usually be provided by a server - but buying one outright can be costly, not to mention the costs of setting up a server along with the time involved with managing it.
Cheap Java hosting plans offer the same functionality for a fraction of the cost.
Main Benefits of Java Hosting?
So far, we’ve given you a basic outline of what Java is and why it’s so important - the internet just couldn’t run without it.
Now let’s take a look at the technical side of things and find out why java webhosting is a good option for most website owners.
If you were to buy a server that has the RAM, CPU speed and storage space to host a Java website, you’d be looking at several thousand dollars in upfront costs - and then you’d have to set it up and maintain it, or pay someone else to do it for you.
Now, if you compare that scenario to free java hosting, you’ll see why so many businesses are opting for cloud-based servers to run their Java websites.
Just consider what you’ll be gaining by choosing a Java hosting package:
Full technical support and server management
As much processing power, RAM and storage as you need
No setup time and costs - and very little technical expertise required
- The option to discontinue your hosting if you decide to take down your site
What to Consider for Java Hosting
Before you sign up with a java hosting provider, it’s a great idea to think about your specific requirements and what package will meet them at the best possible price point.
When it comes to your server requirements, it’s easy to underestimate the resources that a Java setup will require. When in doubt, it’s always better to have too much speed, RAM and storage than too little.
- Java websites use an open-source system called Apache Tomcat to run on websites.
- You’ll also need to run the Java applet, Web Start program and other software which all needs to be stored on and run from your server.
To run Java successfully on a cloud server, you’ll need to choose the right server type and package. Let’s talk about that in a little more detail.