Java 6, also known as Java SE 6 or J2SE 6 (Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition 6), was a major release of the Java platform by Sun Microsystems (now Oracle Corporation). Here are some key points about Java 6:

1. Scripting API (javax.script): Java 6 introduced a new scripting API that allowed developers to embed scripting languages like JavaScript, Ruby, and Python within Java applications. It provided a standardized way to interact with scripting languages.

2. Java Compiler API: Java 6 included a Compiler API that allowed programs to interact with the Java compiler programmatically. This API enables dynamic compilation and code generation.

3. Pluggable Annotations (JSR 269): The introduction of JSR 269 allowed developers to define and use custom annotations and annotation processors. This laid the foundation for frameworks like Java Persistence API (JPA) and Dependency Injection frameworks (e.g., Spring).

4. Web Services Enhancements: Java 6 improved support for web services with updates to the Java API for XML Web Services (JAX-WS) and the introduction of the Java Architecture for XML Binding (JAXB) 2.0.

5. Performance Improvements: Java 6 brought various performance improvements, including enhancements to the Java HotSpot Virtual Machine (VM) and the inclusion of the Java Compiler API to improve runtime performance.

6. Java Management Extensions (JMX) Enhancements: Java 6 added improvements to the JMX API, making it easier to manage and monitor Java applications.

7. Enhanced Security: Java 6 introduced enhancements to the Java security model, including improvements in the security manager and updates to cryptographic algorithms.

8. Desktop Enhancements: Java 6 included various enhancements for desktop applications, including improvements to the Java Foundation Classes (Swing), support for system tray icons, and enhancements to the desktop integration libraries.