How Java Program Works

When it comes to programming languages, Java is a versatile and powerful one. It follows a unique process from code creation to execution. Having a thorough understanding of how a Java program works is essential for developers, especially if they are newcomers, and aim to strengthen their foundation to have a seamless journey ahead with the language.

In this guide, we will take you through the fundamental steps included in the compilation and execution of a Java program.

How Does Java Programming Work

Java programming involves a series of steps that transform human-readable code into machine-executable instructions.

Let’s break down the process, one step at a time.

Writing Java Code: Start by writing your Java code using a text editor or an integrated development environment (IDE). Java code is usually saved with a ‘.java’ extension.


// Example Java code
public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
    }
}

Compilation: Once you have written your Java code, the next step is to compile it. Compilation is the process of converting human-readable Java code into bytecode, which is a low-level representation of the code that can be executed only by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

The next step is to open a command prompt or terminal and go to the directory where your Java code is located. Use the ‘javac’ command to compile the Java source file.


javac HelloWorld.java

If there are no errors in the code, this will generate a bytecode with a ‘.class’ extension (e.g., HelloWorld.class).

Java Virtual Machine (JVM): The computer’s hardware does not execute the generated bytecode directly. Instead, it runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The JVM is platform-independent, allowing Java programs to run on any machine with a compatible JVM.

Execution: To run the compiled Java program, use the ‘java’ command followed by the name of the class containing the 'main' method (the entry point of the program).


java HelloWorld

The JVM reads the bytecode and executes the program, producing the output on the console.

Conclusion

Understanding the workflow of the Java program, from code creation to execution, is crucial for every Java developer. This process of compilation and execution forms the foundation of Java’s ‘Write Once, Run Anywhere’ principle.

As you delve deeper into Java development, you’ll explore more advanced concepts and features that contribute to the popularity and versatility of the language.

Happy coding!