What is Java Runtime Environment

In this tutorial, we will learn about one of the core components of Java i.e the Java Runtime Environment. We will cover its basic structure and understand why it is needed in Java. This tutorial will also cover the installation of JRE into your local computer.

What is the Java Runtime Environment (JRE)?

Any software that is executed needs an environment on which it can rest and operate. The primary environment in a computer is its operating system (OS). All the software generally runs on the OS. It is not efficient to always run everything on the OS directly.

Specifically for Java programs, there is a special environment that can run Java programs virtually on an OS, it is called the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) which is the core part of Java responsible for executing Java programs also sits on the JRE. We can say JVM is a subset of JRE.

The JRE provides a virtual platform on which the JVM and other Java libraries rest on. These components of JRE are virtually isolated and used for executing Java programs. A system that doesn’t have JRE cannot run Java programs. We have to install JVM for executing Java programs and applications. Also, know that the JDK or Java Development Kit already has JRE within it. A system that has JDK installed doesn’t have to install JRE separately.

What does JRE do?

Executing a Java program is easy. But the underlying architecture of the JRE defines what is needed for it to be executed. The JRE contains all the libraries and core classes that are needed to execute a Java program. Whenever we execute a Java program, the JRE combines the needed classes and other libraries with the JVM that is required for that program. The JVM then loads these classes and libraries and creates a virtual environment to execute the code.

Why use JRE when we have JDK?

JDK is a development kit that has all the tools and utilities that can be used to create Java programs and applications. These tools are basically for developers for developing and debugging purposes. If you are a developer then you need JDK to develop Java applications.

But if you are a user who just needs to use/execute Java applications that are already built by a developer, then you just have to install JRE in your computer which only includes components that are required to execute Java applications. This will prevent you from installing unnecessary tools that are developer specific and not required.

How to install JRE?

The installation of JRE is similar to installing JDK. In this tutorial, we will be covering the Windows operating system.

Step 0: Check whether you already have Java installed on your computer.

To confirm whether you have Java installed on your computer or not, follow these steps-

Hold the Windows key and press R on your keyboard. This will open up the Run dialog box.
Now enter cmd in that dialog box and click OK. This is open to the Command Prompt window.

In the Command Prompt, type java -version and press Enter on your keyboard.

If you see this type of output below with java version, then congratulations you have Java installed on your computer and no need to continue to further steps.

If you don’t see an output similar to the above image, then follow the next step.

Step 1: Know whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system.

Knowing your operating system type is important for installing Java. It comes for both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. If you know the type of operating system you have to install Java then you can move to the next step. If you don’t know your system type or having trouble finding it out then follow these simple steps:

Open File Explorer that comes with your Windows operating system.
On the left side panel, Right-click on This PC to open the context menu and then click on Properties.

This will open up the System Properties of your computer. Now, under the Systemsection, check out the System type of your computer.

Step 2: Download Java Runtime Environment (JRE)

Head to the official Java download website to browse through the JRE packages different operating systems.
Link: (https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-jre8-downloads.html)
Scroll down the page in the link given above and click on the appropriate link based on the operating system you wish to install.

A pop window may appear to accept the license agreement. If you wish to read it then you can or just select the checkbox accepting the license agreement and click the Download button.

You will then be redirected to a login page where you will have to sign in to start the download.

Don’t have an Oracle Account? Follow this link to create one. Link: (https://profile.oracle.com/myprofile/account/create-account.jspx)
Already have an Oracle Account? Then fill out the username and password and sign in to start the download.

Once downloaded, open the installer package and follow the installation wizard. During installation, you may change the installation path if needed. But the default settings during installation is recommended.

After the completion of the installation, just repeat Step 0 to check whether the installation is successful.

Congratulations! You can now run Java programs and applications on your computer