The '''Java platform''' is the name for a bundle of related programs, or [[platform (computing)|platform]], from [[Sun Microsystems]] which allow for developing and running programs written in the [[Java programming language]]. The platform is not specific to any one processor or operating system, but rather, an execution engine (called a [[virtual machine]]) and a compiler with a set of standard libraries which provide common functionality are implemented for various hardware and operatings systems so that Java programs can run identically on all of them.
TheDifferent platform"editions" is properly calledof the '''Javaplatform Platform'''are (formerly Java 2 Platform[http://java.sun.com/developer/technicalArticles/javaone2005/naming.html])available, and includes theincluding Java Platform Standard Edition or [[Java SE]] (formerly J2SE) for desktop machines, the Java Platform Enterprise Edition or [[Java EE]] (formerly J2EE) for web servers, and the Java Platform Micro Edition or [[Java ME]] (formerly J2ME) for hand-held devices such as smart phones. As of December 2006, the current version of the Java Platform is specified as either 1.6.0 or 6 (both refer to the same version). Version 6 is the product version, while 1.6.0 is the developer version. A good overview of the myriad of technologies that makes up the current Java Platform can be found on the [{{Javadoc:SE/Home URL}}docs/index.html JDK Documentation Page].
== Java technologies ==
[[Image:JavaPlatform1.jpg|600px|right|Java Platform diagram from Sun, Jan 2007]]
The Java Platform consists of several programs, each of which provides a distinct portion of its overall capabilities. ThereFor example, there is the Java compiler that converts Java source code into Java bytecode (an intermediate language for the [[Java Virtual Machine]] (JVM)) and provided as part of the [[Java Development Kit]] (JDK). There is a sophisticated [[Java Runtime Environment]] (JRE) that usually implements the JVM by means of a [[Just-in-time_compilation|just-in-time (JIT) compiler]] that converts intermediate bytecode into native machine code on the fly. There are extensive libraries (pre-compiled into Java bytecode) containing reusable code, as well as numerous ways for Java applications to be deployed, including being embedded in a web page as an applet. TakenThere together,are thisdozens entireof setother ofcomponents, softwaresome technologiesavailable isonly referredin tocertain editions, as depicted by the diagram at right. The essential components in the platform are the 'Java Platform'language compiler, the libraries, and the runtime environment in which Java intermediate bytecode "executes" according to the rules laid out in the virtual machine specification.
