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Java Concepts
The first principle of Java is its architecture neutrality.
Byte Codes:
The Java compiler does not generate "machine code" in the sense of
native hardware instructions--rather, it generates bytecodes: a
high-level, machine-independent code for a hypothetical machine that
is implemented by the Java interpreter and run-time system.
The Java compiler generates byte codes for the Java Virtual Machine.
The Java Language Virtual Machine
is a strictly defined virtual
machine for which an interpreter must be available for each hardware
architecture and operating system on which you wish to run Java
language applications.
It interpretes Java byte codes and
takes care of the linking, which is for Java the
process of loading new classes by the Class Loader.
The
primary benefit
of the interpreted byte code approach is that
compiled Java language programs are portable to any system on which
the Java interpreter and run-time system have been implemented.
The most common Java programs are applications and
applets. Applications are standalone programs.
Applets are similar to applications, but they run
within a Java-compatible browser.