Java Development Kit is a program for Windows that delivers a comprehensive set of instruments for programmers to build, run, debug and document the Java code. The package also gives you access to the Java Virtual Machine, abbreviated as JVM, alongside class libraries and support files in order to implement your apps.

Technical notes

The distribution comes equipped with demonstrative source codes and particular APIs based on the Java Foundation Classes including Swing and the Java Platform Debugger Architecture. What is more, the JDK offers learning material for Java programming language students in the form of various API source files.

Since the Java Development Kit is the most commonly used SDK, its components consist of the loader from the application, the interpreter of class files, the compiler that takes the source code from its raw form to compatible bytecode. There is also the appletviewer for executing and debugging applets.

Additional capabilities

Besides these components, the JDK features the annotation-processing tool for JAR file conflict detection, the IDL to Java compiler and the documentation generator which utilizes source code comments. You also have the ability to sum up the related class libraries within a single JAR file. Other instruments include a disassembler, a launcher, a command-line script shell, and a policy creation and management utility.

Features

free to download and use;
compatible with modern Windows versions;
allows you to develop Java-based applications;
you can interpret class files and compile source code;
it is possible to view detailed learning materials.