This chapter gives a brief description of Java and the Java Native Interface (JNI) and explains why you might be interested in using it with PL/I. A simple Java - PL/I application will be described and information on compatibility between the two languages will also be discussed.
Before you can communicate with Java from PL/I you need to have Java installed on your system. There are many places to download a free version of the latest Java Development Kit (JDK).