What is the difference between JDK and JRE?

Question

What is the difference between JDK and JRE?

What are their roles and when should I use one or the other?

Answer 1

A clear understanding of these terms(JVM, JDK, JRE) are essential to grasp their usage and differences.

JVM Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is a run-time system that executes Java bytecode. The JVM is like a virtual computer that can execute a set of compiled instructions and manipulate memory locations. When a Java compiler compiles source code, it generates a highly optimized set of instructions called bytecode in a .class file. The JVM interprets these bytecode instructions and converts them to machine-specific code for execution.

JDK The Java Development Kit (JDK) is a software development environment that you can use to develop and execute Java applications. It includes the JRE and a set of programming tools, such as a Java compiler, interpreter, appletviewer, and document viewer. The JDK is implemented through the Java SE, Java EE, or Java ME platforms.

JRE The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is a part of the JDK that includes a JVM, core classes, and several libraries that support application development. Though the JRE is available as part of the JDK, you can also download and use it separately.

For complete understanding you can see my Blog : Jdk Jre Jvm and differences