JVM vs JRE vs JDK – Know The Main Differences

Java is a popular term in the software development industry. Many server-side applications are written in Java which processes tens of millions of requests daily. Almost all the Fortune 500 companies use Java as their go-to computing program for application development and such. The language comes with a plethora of advantages – a simple syntax, secure, excellent frameworks, architecture-neutral, and advanced features like JVM, JRE, and JDK – the three core technology packages used in Java programming.

To help you better navigate the world of Java, this blog will focus on JVM vs JRE vs JDK. While all three technologies are closely related, there are certain differences between JDK, JRE, and JVM that Java developers should be well-aware of.

We will first cover the key differences between the three core Java tools. Then, we will take a look at what is the purpose of each one of them and what are the features they bring to the table.

JVM vs JRE vs JDK – Key Differences

JDK JRE JVM
     
JDK stands for Java Development Kit. JRE stands for Java Runtime Environment. JVM stands for Java Virtual Machine.
     
It is the superset of JRE. It is a subset of JDK. JVM is a subset of JRE.
     
JDK is mainly used for code execution. It is concerned with the actual development process. The main purpose of JRE is to provide developers with an ideal environment for code execution. JVM is mainly responsible for implementations and provides these implementations to JRE.
     
It provides important tools for developing, debugging, and monitoring java code. It includes class libraries and other supporting files that JVM requires to execute the program. Unlike JDK and JRE, JVM does not contain any software development or deployment tools.
     
JDK comes with the installer. JRE only contains the environment to execute source code. JVM is a part of both JDK and JRE.
     
Main advantage: It includes multiple development tools and can convert code written in Java into byte code. Main advantage: It leverages crucial package classes like math, swing, util, lang, awt, and runtime libraries. Main advantage: It features many libraries, tools, and frameworks. It also has the JIT compiler that converts Java source code into low-level machine language.

What is JVM in Java? The programming language executes its codes in the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) is designed to allow machines to run Java codes, along with programs written in other languages that are also compiled to Java bytecode. JVM enables Java to scale its offerings and serves two purposes. The first objective is to enable Java codes to run on any device or operating system. Its second goal is to manage and optimize program memory.

Key Features Of JVM:

  1. Gives easy access to essential Java functions like memory management, security, garbage collection, and more.
  2. Allows developers to run applications in a cloud environment or on a device of their choosing.
  3. Plays the role of an interpreter as it expertly executes the Java scripts, one line of code at a time.
  4. Runs the Java program by using libraries and files provided by JRE.
  5. Can best promote customization, for example, developers can assign minimum and maximum memory to it.
  6. Converts byte code to the machine-specific code.

What is JDK in Java? The Java Development Kit is the tool that provides the environment to develop and execute(run) the Java program. It is a Java software development environment provided by Oracle Corporation. The main purpose of JDK is to convert source codes into a format that the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) can execute. The kit includes the JVM, the JRE, a debugger (appletviewer), an interpreter (java), a compiler (javac), an archiver (jar), a documentation generator (javadoc), and some other development tools.

Key Features Of JDK:

  1. Built to provide developers with the ideal environment to develop and execute Java codes.
  2. Easy to install on multiple operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Unix.
  3. Gives access to excellent development tools, to name a few – a compiler, debugger, archiver, document generator, and such.
  4. Allows developers to build intuitive applications, applets, and components using the Java programming language.
  5. Facilitates the handling of multiple extensions in a single catch block.
  6. Includes advanced tools for developing and testing Java programs, as well as for running them on the Java platform.

What is JRE in Java? Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is a software designed to provide an environment to only run the Java applications on the system, not to develop them. JRE is leveraged by end-users of the system to ensure that the programs are running as they are expected to. In its simplest sense, the JRE installation package is the mediator between Java and the operating system on which the programs are to run.

Key Features Of JRE:

  1. Enables developers to easily run the source code in JRE.
  2. Includes integration libraries like Java Database Connectivity (JDBC), Remote Method Invocation (RMI), Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI), and more.
  3. Provides programming tools and deployment technologies such as Java Web Start and Java Plug-in.
  4. Contains the necessary set of tools that allow JVM to run.
  5. JRE has a JVM and Java HotSpot virtual machine client.
  6. Gives access to user interface toolkits, including Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT), Swing, Java 2D, Accessibility, Image I/O, Print Service, Sound, drag, and drop (DnD).

Now that you are familiar with what these terms mean individually, their features and the differential factors that set them apart, it is time to master the mighty Java programming language.

Enroll With Cyber Success – Best Java Classes In Pune

To excel in the new world of software development, aspiring developers are expected to master the fundamentals of the all-popular programming language – Java, as well as have a deep understanding of its latest tools and technologies. To help you outrace the competition and gain a winning edge, Cyber Success has thoughtfully designed excellent Java classes under the guidance of industry professionals. Seize the opportunity to learn from the leaders and their experiences – all while keeping up with the latest industry trends.

Learn how to leverage the benefits of Java by working on real-time projects with Cyber Success. If you have been looking for an industry-oriented Java course in pune, feel free to contact us today at (+91) 9168665643, (+91) 9168665644, or drop an email at hello@cybersuccess.biz