1. Java is a widely used object-oriented programming language and software platform that runs on billions
of devices, including notebook computers, mobile devices, gaming consoles, medical devices and many
others. The rules and syntax of Java are based on the C and C++ languages.
One major advantage of developing software with Java is its portability. Once you wrote code for a Java
program on a notebook computer, it can be easily moved to a mobile device. When the language was
invented in 1991 by James Gosling of Sun Microsystems (later acquired by Oracle), the primary goal was
to be able to "write once, run anywhere."
Structure of Java Program
A basic Java program consists of several components that create a functional application.
public class FirstJavaProgram
{
public static void main(String args[])
{
System.out.println("Hello World");
}
}
Introduction to JAVA
2. Key Features of Java
1. Platform Independent
Compiler converts source code to byte code and then the JVM executes the bytecode generated by the
compiler. This byte code can run on any platform be it Windows, Linux, or macOS which means if we
compile a program on Windows, then we can run it on Linux and vice versa. Each operating system has
a different JVM, but the output produced by all the OS is the same after the execution of the byte code.
That is why we call java a platform-independent language.
2. Object-Oriented Programming
Java is an object-oriented language, promoting the use of objects and classes. Organizing the
program in the terms of a collection of objects is a way of object-oriented programming, each of which
represents an instance of the class.
The four main concepts of Object-Oriented programming are:
•Abstraction
•Encapsulation
•Inheritance
•Polymorphism
3. 3. Simplicity
Java’s syntax is simple and easy to learn, especially for those familiar with C or C++. It eliminates
complex features like pointers and multiple inheritances, making it easier to write,
debug, and maintain code.
4. Robustness
Java language is robust which means reliable. It is developed in such a way that it puts a lot of
effort into checking errors as early as possible, that is why the java compiler is able to detect
even those errors that are not easy to detect by another programming language. The main
features of java that make it robust are garbage collection, exception handling, and memory
allocation.
5. Security
In java, we don’t have pointers, so we cannot access out-of-bound arrays i.e it
shows ArrayIndexOutOfBound Exception if we try to do so. That’s why several security flaws
like stack corruption or buffer overflow are impossible to exploit in Java. Also, java programs
run in an environment that is independent of the os(operating system) environment which
makes java programs more secure.
4. 6. Distributed
We can create distributed applications using the java programming language. Remote Method
Invocation and Enterprise Java Beans are used for creating distributed applications in java. The java
programs can be easily distributed on one or more systems that are connected to each other through an
internet connection.
7. Multithreading
Java supports multithreading, enabling the concurrent execution of multiple parts of a program. This
feature is particularly useful for applications that require high performance, such as games and real-time
simulations.
8. Portability
As we know, java code written on one machine can be run on another machine. The platform-
independent feature of java in which its platform-independent bytecode can be taken to any platform
for execution makes java portable. WORA(Write Once Run Anywhere) makes java application to
generates a ‘.class’ file that corresponds to our applications(program) but contains code in binary
format. It provides architecture-neutral ease, as bytecode is independent of any machine
architecture. It is the primary reason java is used in the enterprising IT industry globally worldwide.
9. High Performance
Java architecture is defined in such a way that it reduces overhead during the runtime and at some
times java uses Just In Time (JIT) compiler where the compiler compiles code on-demand basis where
it only compiles those methods that are called making applications to execute faster.
6. What is Byte Code in Java?
Byte Code in Java is an essential concept, serving as an intermediate representation of Java
code. This code isn't directly executed by the machine but is interpreted or compiled into
machine code by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The JVM interprets the Byte Code, making
Java platform independent.
This Byte Code is stored in .class files, which can be performed by the Java Virtual Machine
(JVM). The main purpose of Byte Code is to bridge the gap between the human-readable
source code and the machine-specific instructions that a computer's processor
understands.
Byte Code is not tied to any specific hardware or operating system (OS), making it a critical
factor in Java’s "write once, run anywhere" philosophy. The JVM is responsible for
interpreting or just-in-time compiling this Byte Code into native machine code suitable for
the specific platform on which the program is running.
7. How Does Byte Code Work?
To understand how Byte Code works, it's crucial to follow the process that occurs from the moment
you write a Java program to the point where it runs on your machine.
a) Compilation: When you write a Java program, the Java compiler (javac) converts the human-
readable source code into Byte Code, stored in ‘.class’ files. This Byte Code is designed to be
understood and executed by the JVM.
b) Execution: The JVM reads the Byte Code from ‘.class’ files and either interprets it or uses a Just-in-
time (JIT) compiler to convert it into native machine code. This optimises performance by executing
native code directly.
c) Platform Independence: Bytecode's power lies in its platform independence. The JVM abstracts
platform-specific details, allowing the same ‘.class’ files to run on any machine with a JVM, enabling
Java programs to run across different platforms without modification.
8. All three JDK, JRE and JVM are interdependent. JDK is Java Development Kit primarily meant
for Developers to develop Java based applications. JRE is Java Runtime Environment where
Java program runs. JDK carries JRE as an integral part of it. JRE can be installed seperately
as well on systems where no development is to be done and we only need to run the Java
based application or a java program is to be executed.
JDK, JRE and JVM
What is JDK?
JDK is an abbreviation for Java Development Kit which includes all the tools, executables, and
binaries required to compile, debug, and execute a Java Program. JDK is platform dependent
i.e. there are separate installers for Windows, Mac, and Unix systems. JDK includes both JVM
and JRE and is entirely responsible for code execution. It is the version of JDK that represents
a version of Java.
What is JRE?
JRE is a Java Runtime Environment which is the implementation of JVM i.e. the specifications
that are defined in JVM are implemented and create a corresponding environment for the
execution of code. JRE comprises mainly Java binaries and other classes to execute the
program like JVM which physically exists. Along with Java binaries JRE also consists of various
technologies of deployment, user interfaces to interact with code executed, some base
libraries for different functionalities, and language and util-based libraries.
9. 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 first compiles your Java code to bytecode. Then, the
JVM translates bytecode into native machine code (set of instructions that a computer's CPU
executes directly).
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.
JVM is the abbreviation for Java Virtual Machine which is a specification that provides a runtime
environment in which Java byte code can be executed i.e. it is something that is abstract and its
implementation is independent of choosing the algorithm and has been provided by Sun and other
companies. It is JVM which is responsible for converting Byte code to machine-specific code. It can also run
those programs which are written in other languages and compiled to Java bytecode. The JVM performs the
mentioned tasks: Loads code, Verifies code, Executes code, and Provides runtime environment.
10. The JVM Architecture Explained
Every Java developer knows that bytecode will be executed by the JRE (Java Runtime Environment). But many don't
know the fact that JRE is the implementation of Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which analyzes the bytecode, interprets
the code, and executes it. It is very important, that we know the architecture of the JVM, as it enables us to write code
more efficiently.
What Is the JVM?
A Virtual Machine is a software implementation of a physical machine. Java was developed with the concept
of WORA (Write Once Run Anywhere), which runs on a VM. The compiler compiles the Java file into a
Java .class file, then that .class file is input into the JVM, which loads and executes the class file.
How Does the JVM Work?
JVM is divided into three main subsystems:
1.ClassLoader Subsystem
2.Runtime Data Area
3.Execution Engine
11. 1. ClassLoader Subsystem
Java's dynamic class loading functionality is handled by the ClassLoader subsystem. It loads, links. and initializes the class file when it refers to a class for the first
time at runtime, not compile time.
1.1 Loading
Classes will be loaded by this component. BootStrap ClassLoader, Extension ClassLoader, and Application ClassLoader are the three ClassLoaders that will help in
achieving it.
1.BootStrap ClassLoader – Responsible for loading classes from the bootstrap classpath, nothing but rt.jar. Highest priority will be given to this loader.
2.Extension ClassLoader – Responsible for loading classes which are inside the ext folder (jrelib).
3.Application ClassLoader –Responsible for loading Application Level Classpath, path mentioned Environment Variable, etc.
The above ClassLoaders will follow Delegation Hierarchy Algorithm while loading the class files.
1.2 Linking
4.Verify – Bytecode verifier will verify whether the generated bytecode is proper or not if verification fails we will get the verification error.
5.Prepare – For all static variables memory will be allocated and assigned with default values.
6.Resolve – All symbolic memory references are replaced with the original references from Method Area.
1.3 Initialization
This is the final phase of ClassLoading; here, all static variables will be assigned with the original values, and the static block will be executed.
12. 2. Runtime Data Area
The Runtime Data Area is divided into five major components:
1.Method Area – All the class-level data will be stored here, including static variables. There is only one method area per JVM, and it is
a shared resource.
2.Heap Area – All the Objects and their corresponding instance variables and arrays will be stored here. There is also one Heap Area
per JVM. Since the Method and Heap areas share memory for multiple threads, the data stored is not thread-safe.
3.Stack Area– For every thread, a separate runtime stack will be created. For every method call, one entry will be made in the stack
memory which is called Stack Frame. All local variables will be created in the stack memory. The stack area is thread-safe since it is not
a shared resource. The Stack Frame is divided into three sub entities:
1. Local Variable Array – Related to the method how many local variables are involved and the corresponding values will be
stored here.
2. Operand stack – If any intermediate operation is required to perform, operand stack acts as runtime workspace to perform
the operation.
3. Frame data – All symbols corresponding to the method is stored here. In the case of any exception, the catch block
information will be maintained in the frame data.
4.PC Registers – Each thread will have separate PC Registers, to hold the address of current executing instruction once the instruction
is executed the PC register will be updated with the next instruction.
5.Native Method stacks – Native Method Stack holds native method information. For every thread, a separate native method stack will
be created.
13. 3. Execution Engine
The bytecode, which is assigned to the Runtime Data Area, will be executed by the Execution Engine. The Execution
Engine reads the bytecode and executes it piece by piece.
1.Interpreter – The interpreter interprets the bytecode faster but executes slowly. The disadvantage of the interpreter is
that when one method is called multiple times, every time a new interpretation is required.
2.JIT Compiler– The JIT Compiler neutralizes the disadvantage of the interpreter. The Execution Engine will be using the
help of the interpreter in converting byte code, but when it finds repeated code it uses the JIT compiler, which compiles the
entire bytecode and changes it to native code. This native code will be used directly for repeated method calls, which
improve the performance of the system.
1.Intermediate Code Generator – Produces intermediate code
2.Code Optimizer – Responsible for optimizing the intermediate code generated above
3.Target Code Generator – Responsible for Generating Machine Code or Native Code
4.Profiler – A special component, responsible for finding hotspots, i.e. whether the method is called multiple times or
not.
3.Garbage Collector: Collects and removes unreferenced objects. Garbage Collection can be triggered by
calling System.gc(), but the execution is not guaranteed. Garbage collection of the JVM collects the objects that are created.
Java Native Interface (JNI): JNI will be interacting with the Native Method Libraries and provides the Native Libraries
required for the Execution Engine.
Native Method Libraries: This is a collection of the Native Libraries, which is required for the Execution Engine.
14. What is JRE?
JRE (Java Runtime Environment) is a software package that provides Java
class libraries, Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and other components that are
required to run Java applications.
JRE is the superset of JVM.
15. What is JDK?
JDK (Java Development Kit) is a software development kit required to develop
applications in Java. When you download JDK, JRE is also downloaded with it.
In addition to JRE, JDK also contains a number of development tools (compilers,
JavaDoc, Java Debugger, etc).