Java NIO
Java NIO (New I/O) is a Java API introduced in Java 1.4 that provides non-blocking, buffer-oriented I/O operations for high-performance network and file handling. It offers features like channels, buffers, and selectors to enable scalable I/O operations, making it suitable for applications requiring efficient handling of multiple connections or large data streams. Unlike traditional Java I/O, which is stream-oriented and blocking, NIO supports asynchronous and multiplexed I/O, improving throughput in server applications.
Developers should learn Java NIO when building high-performance network servers, such as web servers, chat applications, or data processing systems, where handling thousands of concurrent connections efficiently is critical. It is particularly useful in scenarios requiring low-latency I/O, like real-time data feeds or file transfer services, as it reduces thread overhead and improves scalability compared to traditional blocking I/O. Use it in Java applications where non-blocking operations can optimize resource usage and enhance responsiveness.