I WONDER - Who Invented JAVA?

In the early 90s, James Gosling was tasked with improving the C language at Sun Microsystems. This led to the creation of Java, a new programming language with syntax influenced by C and C++. Java's mascot, Duke, was designed by Joe Palrine, a computer animator known for his work on films like Shrek and Flushed Away.

What was Gosling tasked with at Sun Microsystems in the early 90s?

What programming language and runtime did Gosling and his team create?

What are the rules and syntax of Java based on?

Who created the mascot of Java, known as the Duke?

Which animated films did Joe Palrine work on?