What Is JDK in java? Why Do We Need It?

JDK in Java is an essential component necessary for software development. It is technically an implementation of either Java Standard Edition or Java Enterprise Edition. We will learn about the JDK in Java in a more detailed way through the following docket. 

• What is JDK in Java? 
• The architecture of JDK in Java
• Components of JDK in Java
• Latest Version of JDK in Java
• Getting Started with JDK in Java

What Is JDK in Java?

JDK in Java is an abbreviation for Java Development Kit. It is a bundle of software development tools and supporting libraries combined with the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Programmers familiar with Java might have the following common question. 

To run Java Programs, just the Java Run-time Environment would be enough, but why the complete JDK?

The answer is comparatively simple. Unlike typical Java programs, the real-time Java applications require complex software toolkits and libraries available only in JDK.

In the next segment, we will learn the architecture of JDK in Java.

The Architecture of JDK in Java

The architecture of JDK in Java includes the following modules as described in the image below.

The three vital software modules of JDK are:

JVM (Java Virtual Machine)

Java Virtual Machine is a software tool responsible for creating a run-time environment for the Java source code to run. The very powerful feature of Java, "Write once and run anywhere," is made possible by JVM. 

The JVM stays right on top of the host operating system and converts the java source code into ByteCode (machine language), and executes the program.

JDK (Java Development Kit)

We can define the Java Development Kit as a software development environment responsible for creating a run-time environment for the Java source code to run.

JRE (Java Run-time Environment)

Java Run-time Environment is a software platform where all the Java Source codes are executed. JRE is responsible for integrating the software plugins, jar files, and support libraries necessary for the source code to run.

We have explored the architecture of JDK in Java, and now we will move ahead and learn more about the components of JDK in Java.

Components of JDK in Java

The fundamental components of JDK in Java are listed below.

• java

It acts as the deployment launcher in the older SUN java. It loads the class files and interprets the source code compiled by the javac compiler.

• javac

The javac specifies the java compiler to convert the source code into bytecode. 

• javadoc

The javadoc generates documentation for the comments added in the source code.

• jar

The jar helps the archives to manage the jar files in the package library. 

• jps

The jps stands for Java Virtual Machine Process Status Tool. It manages the active JVMs for the currently executing program.

• appletviewer

The appletviewer is designed to run and debug Java applets without the help of an internet browser. 

• idlj

An IDL-to-Java compiler generates Java bindings from a given Java IDL file.

• javap

The javap acts as a file disassembler. 

• JConsole

JConsole acts as a Java Management and Monitoring unit.

• javah

The javah is a stub-generator, and C-Header is employed to write native methods.

• javaws

The javaws acts as the Web Start launcher for JNLP applications.

• jhat

The jhat is a heap analysis tool.

• jmc

The jmc stands as an abbreviation for Java Mission Control.

Now that we know the vital components of JDK, let us move ahead and understand the various latest JDK versions available currently for Java.

Latest Version of JDK in Java

The oracle corporations own the current Java, and now it is commercially available. Yet, there is still a free java version available, which is called OpenJDK.

The current Java JDK version from Oracle corporation is the JDK 14. The following are the features of Oracle JDK 14.

1. Text blocks
2. Pattern Matching for instanceof 
3. Helpful NullPointerExceptions 
4. Records 
5. Packaging Tool 
6. NUMA-Aware Memory Allocation for G1

Moving ahead, we will learn the steps to install Java into your local computer system.

Getting started with JDK in Java

Getting Started with Java is easy. We have to follow the steps mentioned below.

System Requirements

1. Windows Vista, 7, 8, and above or Linux Operating System
2. 128 MB and above Space on the RAM
3. 128 MB and above Space on the ROM
4. Internet Browser

Steps to download and install Java 

1. Navigate to the official website of Java
2. Create an Oracle Account
3. Download the latest version of JDK
4. Setup the environment for Java
5. Verify Java Installation

With that, we have come to the end of this article based on the JDK in Java.

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Next Steps

Java Programming can be your next stop as they are essential to go through, before you start coding. It helps you master how to get started with Java Fundamentals. 

The link to your next step is here. Java Programming

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