The Java SE application programming interface (API) defines the manner by which an applet or application can make requests to and use the functionality available in the compiled Java SE class libraries. (The Java SE class libraries are also part of the Java SE platform.)
The Java SE API consists of core technologies, Desktop (or client) technologies, and other technologies.
- Core components provide essential functionality for writing powerful enterprise-worthy programs in key areas such as database access, security, remote method invocation (RMI), and communications.
- Desktop components add a full range of features to help build applications that provide a rich user experience – deployment products such as Java Plug-in, component modeling APIs such as JavaBeans, and a graphical user interface.
- Other components round out the functionality.
