About Java language

Java is both a compiled and interpreted language. Java source code is first compiled into an intermediate format called bytecode. When a Java programs runs, the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) interprets the bytecode and executes the program.

Some successful attempts do exist where Java source code is directly compiled into binary executable formats.

Java download bundles

Java is available to be downloaded in two bundled forms:

1. JRE (Java Runtime Environment)
   This is what is needed to run Java programs.
2. JDK (Java Development Kit)
   This contains JRE and tools that are needed in Java application development.

Java versions

New versions of Java arrive from time to time. Some versions are labeled as LTS (Long-Term Support).

1. LTS (Long-Term Support) versions
   Updates are avaliable for these versions for a longer period of time than non-LTS versions. Recommended for production applications.
2. non-LTS versions
   These are short lived versions that are used for testing new features of Java.

Java editions

1. Java Standared Edition (Java SE)
   This is the core Java platform that provides the essential libraries to develop and run applications on workstations, servers, and embedded systems.
2. Old name: Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE); New name: Jakarta EE
   Built on top of Java SE, this version offers enterprise-level features such as distributed computing.
3. Other editions: Java Micro Edition (Java ME), Java Card, JavaFX