---
title: "What is the difference between JDK, JRE, and JVM?"  
description: "What is the difference between JDK, JRE, and JVM?"  
author: "Revati S Misra"  
published: 2023-04-19  
updated: 2023-04-24  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/157928/what-is-the-difference-between-jdk-jre-and-jvm  
category: "java"  
tags: ["java", "programs"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# What is the difference between JDK, JRE, and JVM?

What is the [difference between JDK](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/33943/what-is-the-difference-between-jdk-jre-and-jvm), JRE, and [JVM](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12071/anatomy-of-java-virtual-machine-jvm)?

## Replies

### Reply by Aryan Kumar

[JDK](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/33789/java_home-does-not-point-to-the-jdk), JRE, and JVM are all related to Java programming and are often confused with each other, but they refer to different aspects of the Java development and execution environment.

1. **JDK (Java Development Kit):** JDK is a software development kit used for developing Java applications. It includes a set of programming tools such as a compiler, debugger, and libraries, which are required to develop Java applications. In addition to these tools, JDK also includes JRE.
2. **JRE (Java Runtime Environment):** JRE is a software package that provides the minimum set of tools required to run Java applications. It includes the JVM and a set of libraries that are required to run Java applications. JRE does not include any development tools such as a compiler or debugger.
3. **JVM (Java Virtual Machine):** JVM is a virtual machine that runs Java bytecode. It provides an environment in which Java code can be executed on different hardware platforms and operating systems. JVM is responsible for interpreting the bytecode, performing memory management, and executing the code.


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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/157928/what-is-the-difference-between-jdk-jre-and-jvm

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