Java has several unique features that distinguish it from other programming languages:

1. Platform Independence
Java's "write once, run anywhere" capability is a standout feature. By compiling Java code into bytecode, which can be executed by any Java Virtual Machine (JVM) regardless of the underlying hardware or operating system, Java ensures broad compatibility across platforms.

2. Automatic Memory Management (Garbage Collection)
Java includes built-in garbage collection to manage memory allocation and deallocation automatically. This reduces the risk of memory leaks and other memory-related issues, enhancing application stability and performance.

3. Rich Standard Library
Java's extensive standard library (Java Standard Library) provides a wide range of ready-to-use classes and methods for various tasks such as data manipulation, networking, GUI development, and more. This extensive library reduces the need for external libraries and accelerates development.

4. Security Features
Java was designed with security in mind. Its security model includes a built-in sandbox environment that allows the execution of untrusted code with restricted permissions, minimizing the risk of security breaches. Java's bytecode verification process further enhances security by preventing the execution of malicious code.

5. Multithreading Support
Java provides robust built-in support for multithreading, allowing concurrent execution of two or more threads. This is particularly useful for developing applications that need to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and network servers.

6. Robustness and Reliability
Java emphasizes early checking for potential errors, mainly through its strong type-checking mechanism and runtime checking. Features like exception handling and the elimination of pointer arithmetic contribute to Java's robustness and reliability, reducing the likelihood of crashes and unpredictable behavior.