Java Architecture
In this tutorial we will learn architecture of Java and its components.
Java Architecture is a collection of components, i.e., JVM, JRE, and JDK. It
integrates the process of interpretation and compilation. It defines all the
processes involved in creating a Java program. Java Architecture explains
each and every step of how a program is compiled and executed.
Java Architecture can be explained by using the following steps:
There is a process of compilation and interpretation in Java.
Java compiler converts the Java code into byte code.
After that, the JVM converts the byte code into machine code.
The machine code is then executed by the machine.
The following figure represents the Java Architecture in which each step is
elaborate graphically.
Now let's dive deep to get more knowledge about Java Architecture. As we
know that the Java architecture is a collection of components, so we will discuss
each and every component into detail.
Components of Java Architecture
The Java architecture includes the three main components:
Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
Java Runtime Environment (JRE)
Java Development Kit (JDK)
Java Virtual Machine
The main feature of Java is WORA. WORA stands for Write Once Run
Anywhere. The feature states that we can write our code once and use it
anywhere or on any operating system. Our Java program can run any of the
platforms only because of the Java Virtual Machine. It is a Java platform
component that gives us an environment to execute java programs. JVM's main
task is to convert byte code into machine code.
JVM, first of all, loads the code into memory and verifies it. After that, it
executes the code and provides a runtime environment. Java Virtual Machine
(JVM) has its own architecture, which is given below:
JVM Architecture
JVM is an abstract machine that provides the environment in which Java
bytecode is executed. The falling figure represents the architecture of the JVM.
ClassLoader: ClassLoader is a subsystem used to load class files. ClassLoader
first loads the Java code whenever we run it.
Class Method Area: In the memory, there is an area where the class data is
stored during the code's execution. Class method area holds the information of
static variables, static methods, static blocks, and instance methods.
Heap: The heap area is a part of the JVM memory and is created when the JVM
starts up. Its size cannot be static because it increase or decrease during the
application runs.
Stack: It is also referred to as thread stack. It is created for a single execution
thread. The thread uses this area to store the elements like the partial result,
local variable, data used for calling method and returns etc.
Native Stack: It contains the information of all the native methods used in our
application.
Execution Engine: It is the central part of the JVM. Its main task is to execute
the byte code and execute the Java classes. The execution engine has three main
components used for executing Java classes.
Interpreter: It converts the byte code into native code and executes. It
sequentially executes the code. The interpreter interprets continuously
and even the same method multiple times. This reduces the performance
of the system, and to solve this, the JIT compiler is introduced.
JIT Compiler: JIT compiler is introduced to remove the drawback of the
interpreter. It increases the speed of execution and improves performance.
Garbage Collector: The garbage collector is used to manage the
memory, and it is a program written in Java. It works in two phases, i.e.,
Mark and Sweep. Mark is an area where the garbage collector identifies
the used and unused chunks of memory. The Sweep removes the
identified object from the Mark
Java Native Interface
Java Native Interface works as a mediator between Java method calls and native
libraries.
Java Runtime Environment
It provides an environment in which Java programs are executed. JRE takes our
Java code, integrates it with the required libraries, and then starts the JVM to
execute it.
Java Development Kit
It is a software development environment used in the development of Java
applications and applets. Java Development Kit holds JRE, a compiler, an
interpreter or loader, and several development tools in it.