Java Compilation Flow

Workbook 1c, p.37 — From Source Code to Running Program

Step 1

📄

.java

Source Code

Step 2

⚙

javac

Java Compiler

Step 3

📦

.class

Bytecode

Step 4

⚡

JVM

Virtual Machine

Step 5

🎬

Output

Program Runs!

👉

Click a step or press Play

Click on any step in the pipeline above to see a detailed explanation, or press the Play button to watch the entire compilation flow animate step by step.

🌎 “Write Once, Run Anywhere”

💻

Windows

✔ Same .class runs here

🍏

macOS

✔ Same .class runs here

🐧

Linux

✔ Same .class runs here

💡 Key Insight

Java is both compiled AND interpreted. The compiler (javac) turns your code into bytecode. The JVM then interprets that bytecode into machine code for whatever OS you're on.

🚀 IntelliJ Tip

In IntelliJ, clicking the green Run button does steps 2–5 automatically! It compiles your .java file and runs the output in one click — no terminal commands needed.

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