About Java

The Java Programming Language

"Oracle Java is the #1 programming language and development platform. It reduces costs, shortens development timeframes, drives innovation, and improves application services. With millions of developers running more than 60 billion Java Virtual Machines worldwide, Java continues to be the development platform of choice for enterprises and developers. "

https://www.oracle.com/java/

What is a .jar file?

Compiled Java programs are packed into .jar files. Under the hood, these are archive packages that contain all libraries and code necessary to run an application. Opening and editing .jar files are beyond the scope of this manual.

Why Minecraft and Java?

The creator and programmer of Minecraft, Markus Persson, known by the alias online "Notch", chose Java because of it's ease of use, and because it's highly portable, allowing the game to ran on different platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux.