What Is Java Technology and Why Do I Need It?
What Is Java Technology and Why Do I Need It?
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While most modern Java applications combine the Java runtime and application together,
there are still many applications and even some websites that will not function unless you
have a desktop Java installed. Java.com, this website, is intended for consumers who may still
require Java for their desktop applications – specifically applications targeting Java 8.
Developers as well as users that would like to learn Java programming should visit
the dev.java website instead and business users should visit oracle.com/java for more
information.
Is Java free to download?
The latest Java patches contain important enhancements to improve performance, stability
and security of the Java applications that run on your machine. Installing these updates will
ensure that your Java applications continue to run with the most up-to-date version.
The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version 8 is what you get when you download Java
software from java.com.
The JRE consists of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Java platform core classes, and
supporting Java platform libraries. The JRE is the runtime portion of Java software, which is
all you need to run Java WebStart applications from a supported web browser. It doesn’t
come with development tools, though – these tools are part of the Java Development Kit
(JDK).
The Java Plug-in software is a component of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). The JRE
allows some applications written in the Java programming language to launch via some
browsers. The Java Plug-in software is not a standalone program and cannot be installed
separately.
I have heard the terms Java Virtual Machine and JVM. Is this Java software?
The Java Virtual Machine is only one part of Java software that is involved in running an
application. The Java Virtual Machine is built right into your Java software download, part of
the JRE and helps run Java applications.
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