Meet JDK, JRE & JVM

Java is everywhere — from Android apps to backend systems. But behind the scenes, three pillars make it all work: JDK, JRE, and JVM.
If you're just beginning your Java journey or still confused, here's a simple, structured guide to get it crystal clear. Let’s walk through them together.

Table of Contents

  1. A Quick Peek

  2. Diagram: Visualizing JDK, JRE & JVM

  3. Let’s Understand Each With Examples!

    • JDK

    • JRE

    • JVM

  4. Java Flowchart: From Code to Execution

  5. Ready to Code?


# A Quick Peek..

TermFull FormWhat It DoesAnalogy
JVMJava Virtual MachineRuns your Java codeMovie Player 🍿
JREJava Runtime EnvironmentProvides environment to run Java codeMovie Theater 🎭
JDKJava Development KitToolkit to write + compile + run Java codeMovie Studio 🎬

JDK vs JRE vs JVM

# Let’s Understand Each With Example!

  1. JDK – Java Development Kit

    “I want to make a movie!”

    You're the director. You need a camera, editing tools, scripts, and actors.

That’s JDK! It gives you:

  • A code editor (notepad)

  • A compiler to convert .java → .class

  • And tools to test, package, and more.

👉 Use JDK when you want to write & build Java programs.

Definition : JDK is a complete toolkit used to write, compile, and build Java programs. It includes the JRE, JVM, and development tools like the compiler(javac) and debugger.


  1. JRE – Java Runtime Environment

    “I just want to watch the movie!”

    You go to the theater. Screen, sound system, and seats — all ready.

That’s JRE! It gives you:

  • The player (JVM)

  • The libraries your program needs to run

👉 Use JRE when you just want to run Java programs (not build them).

Definition: JRE is a package that contains the JVM and the basic tools/libraries needed to run Java applications.


  1. JVM – Java Virtual Machine

    “Let’s play the movie!”

    You press Play. The player reads the movie file and shows it on screen.

That’s JVM! It:

  • Reads your compiled code (.class)

  • Runs it

  • Manages memory and performance

👉 JVM is like the engine behind every running Java program.

Definition: JVM is the part of Java that actually runs your program. It takes the compiled code (called bytecode) and executes it on your machine.

**Did you know ??**💭🤔

The JVM makes Java platform-independent.
You can write Java code on Windows, and run it on Mac or Linux — without changing a single line.
That’s the magic of Java’s famous motto:
WORA - "Write Once, Run Anywhere"


# Java Flowchart: From Code to Execution

JDK builds it, JRE runs it, JVM executes it! 🚀


# Ready To Code ??

If you're just starting your Java journey, don’t overthink —
Just install the JDK (it includes everything you need).
Start coding, start building — because learning happens best when you do. 💻✨

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Written by

Tripti Bhatnagar
Tripti Bhatnagar