Java: JDK, JRE and JVM

    Before getting started with the coding part we must understand JDK, JRE, and JVM. They all differ from each other and we will discuss them below.

    JVM (Java Virtual Machine)

    JVM stands for Java Virtual Machine which is an abstract machine. This machine does not exist physically thus called virtual. It is a runtime environment that allows you to run your Java bytecode. This runtime environment allows you to run code written in another language and can be compiled to the Java bytecode. Many software and hardware systems support JVMs. JVM is platform-dependent whose configuration can be varied from OS to OS. JVM has three notions- specification, implementation, and instance. JVM allows you to load, verify, execute the code.

    JRE (Java Runtime Environment)

    JRE stands for Java Runtime Environment which provides you with software tools set to develop Java applications. It provides a runtime environment with the implementation of JVM. Unlike JVM, JRE exists physically and is a set of libraries and other required files that are used by Java at the runtime. Apart from Sun Microsystems, JVM implementation has been released by many other companies. JRE

    JDK (Java Development Kit)

    JDK stands for Java Development Kit which provides an environment for software development to develop Java applications and applets. This also physically exists and contains JRE and other development tools. JDK allows the implementation of below mentioned Java platforms-

    • Standard Edition Java Platform
    • Enterprise Edition Java Platform
    • Micro Edition Java Platform

    JDK is a set of JVM, resources like java interpreter, java compiler, an archiver, Javadoc, and other files that help you to develop Java applications.

    Conclusion

    Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is a virtual machine responsible for executing the Java bytecode. On the other hand, JRE or Java Runtime Environment is a runtime environment that provides you with all the tools required for developing and running Java applications. Lastly, Java Development Kit (JDK) is the distribution of Java offered by Oracle Corporation. We hope this article has helped you understand JVM, JRE, and JDK. Also, if you have any queries regarding this topic, feel free to share them in the comments section below.

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