What is a key characteristic of Java programming language?

Java is known for its robustness and versatility, which are exemplified by its security features and platform independence. The principle of platform independence means that Java programs can be executed on any system that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed, allowing for the "write once, run anywhere" capability. This characteristic is achieved through Java's use of compiled bytecode, which the JVM interprets, making Java applications highly portable across different operating systems.

In addition to its platform independence, Java includes a variety of built-in security features, such as a strong type system and the ability to manage memory. These features help protect users and systems from potentially harmful operations, which is critical for running applications in diverse environments, particularly over the internet.

Although other options touch on certain aspects of Java, they do not capture this fundamental characteristic as completely as the one regarding its security and platform independence.