9/9/2019 Java JDK, JRE and JVM

 TUTORIALS EXAMPLES 

Java JDK, JRE and JVM

You will learn the key di erences between JDK, JRE, and JVM in this article.

What is JVM?

JVM (Java Virtual Machine) is an abstract machine that enables your computer to run a Java program.

When you run the Java program, Java compiler rst compiles your Java code to bytecode. Then, the JVM translates
Contents
bytecode into native machine code (set of instructions that a computer's CPU executes directly).

https://www.programiz.com/java-programming/jvm-jre-jdk 1/7
9/9/2019 Java JDK, JRE and JVM

Java is a platform-independent language. It's because when you write Java code, it's ultimately written for JVM but not
your physical machine (computer). Since, JVM executes the Java bytecode which is platform independent, Java is
platform-independent.  

If you are interested in learning about JVM Architecture, visit The JVM Architecture Explained.

What is JRE?

JRE (Java Runtime Environment) is a software package that provides Java class libraries, along with Java Virtual Machine
(JVM), and other components to run applications written in Java programming. JRE is the superset of JVM.

Contents

https://www.programiz.com/java-programming/jvm-jre-jdk 2/7
9/9/2019 Java JDK, JRE and JVM

If you need to run Java programs, but not develop them, JRE is what you need. You can download JRE from  Java SE
Runtime Environment 8 Downloads  page.

What is JDK?

JDK (Java Development Kit) is a software development kit to develop applications in Java. When you download JDK, JRE
is also downloaded, and don't need to download it separately. In addition to  JRE, JDK also contains number of
development tools (compilers, JavaDoc, Java Debugger etc).

Contents
If you want to develop Java applications, download JDK. 

https://www.programiz.com/java-programming/jvm-jre-jdk 3/7
9/9/2019 Java JDK, JRE and JVM

Here's the relationship between JVM, JRE, and JDK.

Contents

https://www.programiz.com/java-programming/jvm-jre-jdk 4/7
9/9/2019 Java JDK, JRE and JVM

Java Tutorial

Java Introduction

Java Hello World

Java JVM, JRE and JDK

Java Data Types

Java Operators

Java Input and Output

Java Expressions & Blocks

Java Comment
Contents

https://www.programiz.com/java-programming/jvm-jre-jdk 5/7
9/9/2019 Java JDK, JRE and JVM

Java Flow Control

Java Arrays
Java OOP (Part I)
Java OOP (Part II)

Get Latest Updates on Programiz

Enter Your Email

Subscribe

TUTORIALS

Python Tutorials

C Tutorials

Java Tutorials

Kotlin Tutorials

C++ Tutorials

Swift Tutorials

R Tutorials

DSA

EXAMPLES

Python Examples Contents

https://www.programiz.com/java-programming/jvm-jre-jdk 6/7
9/9/2019 Java JDK, JRE and JVM

C Examples

Java Examples

Kotlin Examples

C++ Examples

R Examples

COMPANY

About

Advertising

Contact

LEGAL

Privacy Policy

Terms And Conditions

App's Privacy Policy

App's Terms And Conditions

Copyright © Parewa Labs Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contents

https://www.programiz.com/java-programming/jvm-jre-jdk 7/7