Official development kit for Java programming
Java Development Kit is the official, reliable, and trustworthy development kit for Java programming. It has been developed by Oracle and is used by programmers around the world. Simply put, JDK combines a wide range of tools and software required to debug, run, and compile apps and applets designed with the Java programming language. Since it’s a free program, you can start using it instantly after installation.
Java has always been the leading choice among programming, development, and coding languages. Java Development Kit, or JDK, is the official development package for both amateur and experienced developers. While the program supports graphical IDE, it needs to be installed separately.
A reliable development environment
Java Development Kit includes the Java Virtual Machine, which is essential to execute specific Java-based program types. The kit also comes with several tools and technologies, such as JDB, Java Bytecode Compiler, Disassembler Class, Javap, and more. You can conveniently find all these options in the kit’s subdirectory folder.
Along with Java Virtual Machine and Java Runtime Environment, JDK is part of the three core technology essentials used in Java programming. But if you’re a beginner, you might be confused about their respective usage. Some people even consider them to be the same, which isn’t the case.
- Java Virtual Machine is an important Java platform component. It executes programs.
- Java Runtime Environment forms the on-disk component of Java and creates the Java Virtual Machine.
- Java Development Kit allows programmers to create Java apps and applets, which can be run and executed using the Java Virtual Machine and Java Runtime Environment.
How to install JDK?
When you launch the JDK installer, you’re given the choice to select three different components, i.e., Public JRE, Source Code, and Development Tools. While you can choose one or two, it’s better to download all three tools.
With the ‘Development Tools’, you get access to the JDK proper. The ‘Source Code’ comes with various sources for the public classes and categories in the Java API. When you download this option as part of the package, you’re able to reference the source code during the app building process.
‘Public JRE’ reinforces the fact that JRE and JDK are two different entities. It can be used by other platforms to execute Java programs. If you skip this option, you can download it later separately, if and when required.
Unfortunately, the Java Development Kit isn’t easy to master. Compared to Sublime Text and Dev-C++, it can be quite difficult for beginners to learn the intricacies of JDK. In the first few attempts, the feature set can be overwhelming.
Having said that, Java Development Kit comes with various tutorials and demos. Moreover, you can choose from several forums to get insights, resources, and information. The program comes with a simple interface and allows you to learn the basics without much trouble.
What are the features?
Java Development Kit is packed with features. For instance, the program includes Java Runtime Environment, Javac (compiler), Java (interpreter), Javadoc (documentation generator), Jar (archiver), and many other development tools. Further, Java Runtime Environment comprises Java Virtual Machine, which supports several core classes and files.
In case you’re only interested in running basic Java programs on your Windows computer or browser, it’s better to install only JRE. On the other hand, if you’d want to develop a full-fledged application with Java programming, JDK is a much better choice.
Since the platform is backed by the IT giant, it receives regular updates. The latest version of the program comes with multiple bug fixes, enhancements, and new features. It improves upon various areas, including:
- Records
- Text Blocks
- Switch Expressions
- NullPointerExceptions
- An instance of Pattern Matching
Simply put, Java Development Kit is a comprehensive software development and programming environment. It offers a huge selection of libraries and tools necessary to develop, run, and execute Java applications. JDK is essential for converting source code into a format that can be executed with the Java Runtime Environment. Since it’s free to use, developers around the world have been using JDK for many years.
An essential tool for programmers
A lot of developers new to Java programming confuse Java Development Kit (JDK) with Java Runtime Environment (JRE). While JRE is a toolset for running the code, JDK is a package to develop Java-based apps. If you’re interested in developing apps and software with JavaScript, JDK will be essential to achieve the goal.
