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Understanding How Java Works: Behind the Scenes

Understanding How Java Works: Behind the Scenes

Tomas Svojanovsky's photo
Tomas Svojanovsky
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3 min read

Java is one of the most widely used programming languages, known for its platform independence and versatility. Understanding how Java works behind the scenes can help you better grasp its powerful features.

The Journey of Java Code Execution

When you write Java code, the execution process involves several steps. Let’s go through them one by one:

1. Writing Java Code

As a programmer, you write Java code in a readable format, using commands like System.out.println("Hello, World!");. This code is stored in a file with the .java extension. For example, HelloWorld.java.

2. Compiling the Code

Java uses a compiler to convert the human-readable .java code into bytecode, which is a machine-independent intermediate format. The Java compiler, javac, generates a .class file from your .java file. For instance, compiling HelloWorld.java will produce HelloWorld.class.

3. Running the Bytecode on the JVM

The .class file (bytecode) is then executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The JVM interprets the bytecode and executes it on the underlying hardware.

Java Code Execution

Understanding JVM, JRE, and JDK

To fully understand the execution process, it’s essential to know the roles of JVM, JRE, and JDK.

Java Virtual Machine (JVM)

The JVM is the engine that runs your Java bytecode. It is responsible for:

  • Loading the bytecode

  • Verifying the bytecode for security

  • Executing the bytecode

Each operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.) has its version of the JVM, making the JVM platform-dependent. However, since the bytecode is platform-independent, Java programs can run on any platform with a compatible JVM.

Java Runtime Environment (JRE)

The JRE provides the runtime environment required to execute Java applications. It includes:

  • The JVM

  • Essential libraries and files needed to run Java programs

When you install Java on a machine for running applications, you are installing the JRE

Java Development Kit (JDK)

The JDK is what developers use to create Java applications. It includes:

  • The Java compiler (javac)

  • Development tools

  • The JRE (and, therefore, the JVM)

If you’re developing Java programs, you need the JDK. For running applications, only the JRE is required

Key Features of Java

Platform Independence

Java is often described as “Write Once, Run Anywhere” (WORA). This means that once you write and compile a Java program, it can run on any device or operating system with a JVM. This is achieved by converting the code into platform-independent bytecode.

The Role of the Main Method

To execute a Java program, the JVM looks for the main method with the following signature:

public static void main(String[] args)

This method is your program's entry point. Without it, the JVM doesn’t know where to start.

Classes and Object-Oriented Programming

Java is an object-oriented programming language, which means everything in Java revolves around objects and classes. Even a simple program requires at least one class.

Here’s an example of a complete Java program:

Main file structure

Compilation and Execution

  1. Save the program in a file named HelloWorld.java

  2. Compile it using the command: javac HelloWorld.java. This creates a HelloWorld.class file

  3. Run the program using the command: java HelloWorld. This executes the bytecode and prints the output

The JVM is built for specific operating systems and hardware, making it platform-dependent. For example, a JVM for Windows is different from a JVM for macOS. However, since the JVM interprets the platform-independent bytecode, Java programs can run on any system with a compatible JVM, ensuring platform independence.

Layers of Java Architecture

To summarize, here’s how the Java architecture layers work:

  1. Hardware: Your physical machine (laptop, desktop, etc.)

  2. Operating System (OS): The system running on your hardware (Windows, Linux, etc.)

  3. JRE: Provides the runtime environment for Java programs

  4. JVM: Executes the Java bytecode

For developers, the JDK is installed, which includes the JRE and JVM for program development.

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