JAVA IS Platform-Independent: An Introduction
Java is platform-independent because the source code, after compilation, can execute on any operating system or hardware. As a result, the programmer can write the code in one system and run it on another by copying the code from a hard disc, pen drive, or mail to run on another system. Hence, Java is associated with the phrase, “write once and run anywhere.”
JAVA IS PLATFORM-INDEPENDENT: WHAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE?
Due to the JVM (Java Virtual Machine), Java can exhibit platform independence. The JVM converts the source code into byte code in 8-bit format, enabling the running of Java code on any microprocessor.
For instance, if the microprocessor is 32-bit, after filling 8-bit space, zeros will occupy the remaining vacant bytes. Thus, the compiler in Java enables the code to be compatible with any microprocessor format.
.EXE File
While compiling the C programming language, C generates a .exe file, which shows compatibility with the underlying architecture or microprocessor. The format of the .exe file will be the same as the size of the microprocessor.
For example, if the underlying microprocessor is 16-bit, the C program’s compiler generates a 16-bit .exe file. Similarly, for a 32-bit microprocessor, C generates a 32-bit .exe file.
Consequently, with the generation of a .exe file, C programming shows platform dependency, making it a platform-dependent technology. The .exe file shows compatibility with the microprocessor.
.Class FILE in Java
The compiler (JVM) generates a .class file in Java when translating high-level programming code to machine or binary code. Irrespective of the underlying architecture (microprocessor), the .class file generates a standard format, which is 8-bit. Whether the microprocessor is 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, or 64-bit, the .class file generates 8-bit format. With the generation of 8-bit code, Java can run on any platform independent of the size of the microprocessor.
For example, if the microprocessor is 16-bit, the byte code gives zeros to the vacant space. Like-wise for 32-bit and 64-bit. Thus, Java is platform-independent.
IS C also Platform-Independent?
No, C is not platform-independent but platform-dependent. C programming does not allow the programmer to execute the code on another system. Instead, the code must be compiled and executed on the same system.
While translating source code into byte code, the C program generates the byte code in a format similar to that of the microprocessor. Generally, the programmer can write and execute code only on the same system in programming languages such as C and cannot copy the code to execute on another system.
For example, if the microprocessor is 32-bit, the C program generates 8-bit byte code, making it easy to execute.