What is a Java Development Kit and How to Install JDK?

In combination with the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) and the JRE (Java Runtime Environment), the Java Development Kit (JDK) is one of the three primary technology packages used in Java development. The JDK is an essential resource for creating applications. We will learn more details about the JDK in the blog that follows. This post will also discuss the step-by-step process for installing and configuring the JDK.

What is Java’s JDK?

As discussed in the introduction, it consists of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Moreover, it also includes a collection of supporting libraries and software development tools. Contrary to standard Java programs, real-time Java applications need advanced software toolkits and libraries. Therefore, we go for JDK in Java.

Furthermore, JDK uses any of the following Java Platforms by Oracle Corporation:

• Standard Edition Java Platform
• Enterprise Edition Java Platform
• Micro Edition Java Platform

Why Should We Install JDK?

There must be a suitable development environment before starting to develop Android applications. It also ensures that all Operations or Processes go without an issue. Moreover, developers can easily use the tools necessary to build any Application. One must download and install JDK to produce source files for Android applications written in Java or Kotlin.

JDK Installation

You can install JDK in Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS.

• Go to the Oracle’s official download page for Java development kit download
• Click Download and Add to Classpath to add the most recent JDK version to your classpath.
• Simply verify whether the JDK software is installed on your computer in the proper location, such as C: Program Files\Java\jdk.

Windows JAVA_HOME Setting

• You can access the properties by right-clicking My Computer.
• Go to the Advanced tab, choose Environment Variables, and then modify JAVA_HOME to point to the specific folder where your JDK software is kept. For instance, the default address on Windows is C: Program Files\Java\jdk.

Windows and macOS have installers available once you download JDK. So, you will get three options when you run a JDK installer. They are Public JRE, Source Code, and Development Tools. One or all of them may be installed. Just choose the default in this situation. The JDK adds on when you choose the Development Tools option. You can also use the Source Code while developing applications by including this option. The public JRE, which may be installed independently of the JDK, allows other software to run Java programs.

What are the 4 Components of JDK?

The JDK includes a private Java Virtual Machine (JVM) besides a few other tools essential for Java applications.

JDK contains:

• Java Runtime Environment (JRE)

The JVM and the necessary class libraries are available in a component of JDK called the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Java applications cannot be run on end-user machines without the use of developer tools. Users can launch Java apps and have a seamless experience using the JRE.

• An Interpreter/loader (Java)

Java interpreter, a system software, runs the JVM. Its architecture enables it to read source code, translate it instruction by instruction, and run the translated program. At runtime, the JVM uses the interpreter before executing the code on the host computer.

• A Compiler (javac)

The Java Compiler (javac), is an essential Java dev kit component. It converts Java source code (.java files) into bytecode (.class files). Thus, the resulting bytecode can execute on any platform with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed. It also maintains Java’s “write once, run anywhere” principle.

• An Archiver (jar)

A Java Archive, or JAR file, contains all of its component pieces, including an executable Java application. Additionally, it also contains a deployable Java applet, a Java library to which any Java Runtime Environment can link. Moreover, it can mix tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of different application-related files.

Below are the other popular Components of Java kit:

• Java Documentation Generator (Javadoc)
• Additional Utilities
• Java Compiler (javac)
• API Libraries
• Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
• Java Debugger (jdb)

What is the Difference Between Java Development Kit and Java?

Java is a platform as well as a programming language. Java is a powerful, object-oriented, high-level, and secure programming language. Platforms are any environment, either in terms of hardware or software, in which a program can execute. Java acts as a platform since it contains an API and a runtime environment (JRE). The Java Development Kit (JDK) is a cross-platform software development environment. It provides a selection of tools and libraries essential to creating Java-based software programs and applets. Moreover, it is a core Java package along with the JRE (Java Runtime Environment) and JVM (Java Virtual Machine).

Most Common JDKs

• Amazon Corretto: The most recent choice with long-term support and a free build of OpenJDK.
• Oracle JDK: It is the most popular JDK and the primary source of Java 11. OpenJDK: JMC, JDK 15, and JDK 14 are all ready for use.
• Azul Systems Zing: This is a fast and responsive JDK for Linux.
• IBM J9 JDK: for AIX, Linux, Windows, and many more operating systems, Azul Systems: based on the Zulu brand for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X.

Benefits of JDK

For Java developers, using JDK has many benefits. It offers a stable environment for developing software. Moreover, you will get high-performance Java application execution with great documentation. Additionally, the JDK’s compatibility with various operating systems ensures that Java programs have the widest possible audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Java Development Kit (JDK) is a powerful toolkit that enables Java programmers. Therefore, they can effectively build reliable, cross-platform applications. The JDK includes all the tools essential for the Java development lifecycle. Furthermore, the Java community continues to enhance JDK by adding new features and improvements. Future developments may include more efficient optimization and increased attention to security.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

The IoT Academy

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