What is Java Virtual Machine? Scratch Every Minor Information About It
Java virtual Machine (JVM) is a virtual machine by Java programming language which allow computer or devices to run programs written in Java and also in other languages compiled to Java bytecode.
In simple, its like a translator for your software and ensure it is running smoothly on every computer. Regardless of which language you have used in coding, it takes you codes and translates into special language named bytecode which can be understood by every computer or program.
Understood?
Explore more about what is a Java virtual machine, what is does, advantages and disadvantages, types and everything else you need to know. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What Does Java Virtual Machine Do?
The JVM (Java Virtual Machine) acts like a virtual computer in your actual computer and ensures the perfect execution of bytecodes which are the set of instructions to your computer for operating the particular software.
Using Java programming language you create source code files with “.java” extension which are converted into a format that a computer can easily understand. The process in called compilation. After it, Java compiler further convert your codes into human-readable codes called Bytecodes. These are the codes JVM performs execution for.
See what’s more JVM do:
1. Java Virtual Machine loads your bytecodes into its memory before running your Java program
2. JVM ensures the perfect structure security of bytecodes and check for any malicious code before execution
3. JVM also manage memory used by Java program
4. JVM also looks for garbage collection in program
Let’s now discuss the advantages of Java Virtual Machine below.
Advantages of Java Virtual Machine
There are several ways JVM is benefiting you. If you are running a program using Java language, here are the advantages you can get using JVM along with it.
Platform Independence
The first and foremost advantage of using JVM is that it provides platform independence. Your Java applications will be run on all the devices and operating systems with its bytecode execution system. This promotes cross-platform compatibility of your applications, and actually aligns with the principles of WORA (Write Once, Run Anywhere) by Java language.
JIT (Just-In-Time) Compilation
Java Virtual Machine follows Just-In-Time compilation for efficient and enhance performance. Instead of interpreting bytecode manually, the JIT compiler help translating bytecode into native machine code just before the execution by JVM. That’s how this dynamic compilation approach enhances the efficiency and responsiveness.
Automatic Allocating and Deallocating Memory
The most appreciating advantage of JVM is its automatic memory management system. Using garbage collection technique, it promotes allocation and deallocation of memory freeing developers to manually take care of these tasks.
Pay attention – This feature of JVM also ensures no memory leakage or related memory-errors and you can enjoy efficient running of your applications.
Higher Portability
JVM supports WORA principle by executing platform independent bytecode. Though compilation, Java files are converted into bytecodes which are interpreted by the JVM at run time before execution. That ensures Java applications can run on any device at any operating system promoting the great portability.
Now, you can write codes once and run anywhere on any platform at any operating device without modification.
Enhanced Security
Java Virtual Machine also supports enhanced security features by analyzing and verifying the bytecode for any malicious suspects before running the execution. This ensures secure runtime environment making Java a reputable programming language over others. JVM can be your priority choice if you’re working on an application where security of your codes is your first priority.
Disadvantages of Java Virtual Machine
JVM has a lot of features and advantages to serve you but also have some noticeable disadvantages slowing down the performance and negatively affecting its reputation.
Let’s check them one by one:
Overhead Performance Issues
Java programs always run slower than other programming language because JVM involves some extra steps to interpret and compile the bytecode before running it. This notable overhead performance advantage is observed because of the JIT (Just-In-Time) compilation of bytecode.
High Memory Usage
Automatic memory management is a great feature by Java Virtual Machine but it might not be a good one at the same moment if your computer has limited memory. During garbage collection and managing memory Java programs may use some more resources than other programming languages. This is how Java programs may use more memory.
Slower Execution Speed
Java programs are slower and that’s true even with the JIT compilation efforts. That’s because of many reasons such as automatic memory management system, overhead performance issues and more. With all this, Java is not suitable for real-time applications and system-level programming.
Limited Multithreading Support
JVM allows you to perform various tasks at the same moment which is called multithreading. But the thing is, it not provides the great support to do so. You might face complexities sometimes managing multiple tasks and speeding up the process.
Pro tip: To maintain higher speed and performance in Java programs, do not perform several tasks simultaneously.
Java and Java Virtual Machine (JVM) Relationship
Both Java and Java Virtual Machine have symbiotic relationship and relies on each other for execution of Java programs. In this section, we’ll explain how they both are connected with each other and playing roles for perfect running of Java programs on all operating systems and devices.
Let’s dive straight into this.
Bytecode Compilation and Java Programs Perfect Running
Developers write Java codes for applications which are further translated into the bytecodes using Java compiler. JVM understands, interprets and executes these bytecodes, so the Java programs runs efficiently on any device and operating system.
Cross Platform Compatibility or Independence
Java is famous for its “Write One, Run Anywhere” Philosophy which is possible only when source codes are compiled into bytecodes. But JVM ensures the perfect execution of your bytecodes with JIT compilation and provides runtime environment for your Java applications.
Memory Management and Garbage Collection
Java codes are usually lengthy and have garbage or empty spaces sometimes which cause higher memory usage. Manually managing the memory is obviously a lengthy and an irritating task. So, Java developers should thank to the JVM which allocates space for the objects, manage memory and collect garbage for efficient speed and performance.
High Security Measures
Java strongly take cares of security itself but JVM has added great values. It enforces bytecode verification before execution and check for malicious code and reducing the risk of hacking attacks.
5 Main Components of JVM (Java Virtual Machine)
Java Virtual Machine has several components due to which it ensures proper execution of Java programs, their security, efficiency and portability. In this section, we’ll discuss the five main components of JVM along with their need and functions.
Class Loader
Class loader mainly ensures efficient dynamic loading of Java programs. During runtime in different operating systems, class loader allows Java applications to adapt changing requirements. Additionally, this is the part of JVM which allow Java applications to use external libraries without bytecode recompilation.
Class Area
The class area stores classes information during the Java program running and shares common space for all running threads to ensure efficient memory usage. Moreover, this JVM component also promotes low-level representation of bytecode that is going to be executed by the JVM.
Java Stack
Java stack component of JVM keep tracks that which part of your program is running and what steps it needs to take next for efficient running. Apart from this, Java stack also take records of memory needed for each method and even manage storage spaces if a method uses more space.
Execution Engine
Execution engine is also one of the most important components of Java Virtual Machine, responsible for interpreting and compiling the Java bytecodes to further execute as per the specified instructions in the program.
Pay attention – this component of JVM translates bytecode into the machine code at runtime which promotes improved performance.
Heap
It’s one of the critical components of Java Virtual Machine responsible for dynamic memory allocation during Java programs execution. For objects and data structures, it serves as a storage area and facilitates creation, modification and removal of codes as program need with the time.
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Conclusion
In the above article, we have discussed everything about how Java Virtual Machine can help you automating tasks for your Java programs. Plus, we also described its disadvantages and limitations and the ways to tackle them.
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FAQs
What is the difference between Java and virtual machine?
The difference is clear: Java is an object-oriented programming language used to write computer programs. In contrast, JVM is the software which Java programs use for interpretation and execution of bytecodes during the runtime.
Do you need a virtual machine to run Java?
Yes, you need a virtual machine like JVM to run your Java programs on all devices and operating systems. It interprets and compiles Java codes into bytecodes that a computer can easily execute.
What is the difference between JVM and compiler?
Compiler translates or converts the entire program beforehand or execution into machine code. In contrast, Java Virtual Machine is responsible for compiling and interpretation of codes during the runtime.
How do I run JVM on Windows?
Download or Install JDK (Java Development Kit) and use “java” command to run Java programs. Promote the complete setup to ensure your Windows system is properly executing Java applications. You will find the download link on Oracle’s official website.
