What does Java Runtime Environment actually mean? Find out inside PCMag's comprehensive tech and computer-related encyclopedia.

The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is what you get when you download Java software. Java technology allows you to work and play in a secure computing environment.

JAVA_HOME JAVA_HOME is an operating system (OS) environment variable which can optionally be set after either the Java Development Kit (JDK) or the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed.

Javaw.exe is an executable component integrated within the Oracle Java Runtime Environment (JRE). It is essential to run certain Java-based programs including JAR files without using a console window.

Beyond that, the standout feature of Canonical's OpenJDK initiative is its Chiseled Open Java Runtime Environment (OpenJRE) containers.

JAVA_HOME is an operating system (OS) environment variable which can optionally be set after either the Java Development Kit (JDK) or the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed.

For example, in Java 8, the bootstrap class loader was located in the Java Runtime Environment’s rt.jar file. In Java 9 and subsequently, the rt.jar file was removed.