What do JVM and JRE stand for?

The correct answer reflects the terminology used in the Java programming environment. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is a key component of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE).

The JVM is responsible for executing Java bytecode and provides the necessary environment for running Java applications. It serves as an abstraction layer between the compiled Java programs and the actual hardware, allowing developers to write code once and run it on any platform that has a compatible JVM.

The JRE, on the other hand, is the package that provides the libraries, Java Virtual Machine, and other components necessary to run applications written in Java. It does not include development tools like compilers or debuggers, which are found in the Java Development Kit (JDK).

Understanding the distinctions between JVM and JRE is fundamental to grasping how Java achieves its platform independence and overall execution model.