Do I need Java? Should I update or uninstall?

I have Googled this question and searched Apple forums but I have not found a clear answer.

I have a mid-2015 iMac running macOS Big Sur v. 11.6.2.

My computer has Java installed and keeps prompting me to update. The current version is Java 8 Update 251.

My questions are:

Should I keep running Java on my iMac? Is it necessary? (I am not even clear how it is being used.) Should I update Java or remove entirely?

With my recent upgrade to Big Sur, I am not sure if updating Java will create any issues.

Your help is greatly appreciated!