So, What are JVM, JRE, and JDK?

Presenting two metaphors for greater understanding

Let’s break it down and make it super simple. First, we need a diagram, and then we need metaphors. Once we have all these components, we will leave this article with more knowledge and understanding of all three acronyms.

JDK, JRE and JVM in Java | Image Source — JavaCodeMonk

The Technical Jargon

JVM, JRE, and JDK are three different terms related to Java development, and they are often confusing for beginners. Here’s a brief explanation of what each term means and how they are related:

• JVM: The Java Virtual Machine is an abstract computing machine that is responsible for running Java bytecode. It interprets the bytecode and translates it into machine-specific instructions, allowing Java code to run on any system that has a JVM installed.
• JRE: The Java Runtime Environment is a software environment that includes the JVM and a set of libraries and tools required to run Java applications. It provides a runtime environment for Java code to run on a specific platform. The JRE does not include development tools, such as compilers or debuggers.
• JDK: The Java Development Kit is a software development environment that includes the JRE and development tools, such as compilers, debuggers, and other utilities. The JDK is used to…