Software that Interprets Java Bytecode [2024 List]

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Updated on January 8, 2024

by Ivan Jenic

updated on January 8, 2024

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Are you a software developer or programmer? Do you need a reliable Java bytecode interpreter? This article is especially for you. In this piece, we’ll be looking into some of the most durable software that interprets Java bytecode. Java is obviously one of the most important aspects of programming, as a good number of programs/apps are written in Java code. The instruction set that makes up Java is what is known as bytecode, which is a set of machine codes (typically in form of .class files) given to a JVM – Java virtual machine. Java virtual machines are colloquially termed Java bytecode interpreters. As a programming function, getting reliable software that interprets Java bytecode is hard to come by. However, we have made some research and compiled for you a comprehensive list of the best Java bytecode interpreters in the market, specifically those compatible with the Windows operating system. Read on, as we bring you a comprehensive outline of the top 5 software that interprets Java bytecode.

Top software that interprets Java bytecode

HotSpot

HotSpot, from Oracle, is the leading choice of most developers across the globe. And it tops our list of software that interprets Java bytecode.

The program, which is originally known as the Java HotSpot Performance Engine, is written in C++ and Assembly language. And it hosts cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, Linux and Solaris operating systems.

HotSpot hosts a powerful set of features, most notably the “adaptive optimization” and the “just-in-time compilation” functions.

Furthermore, HotSpot supports only instruction set architectures (ISAs) like x86-84, IA-32, ARMv7 VFP, SPARC (exclusive to Solari computers) and ARMv8. This ISA support system is generally the best you can get in the market.

Other notable features of HotSpot include Java bytecode interpreter, Dual virtual machine (Client and Server compiler), Tiered compiler, Java classloader, Garbage collectors, Runtime libraries, JVM flags, Cross-platform compatibility and many more.

HotSpot Java bytecode interpreter and the virtual machine is licensed under GNU’s General Public License (GPL). As such, it is available for free.

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OpenJ9

OpenJ9, from Eclipse Foundation IBM, is widely regarded as the closest competitor of HotSpot. And like HotSpot, it is also a versatile Java bytecode interpreter and Java virtual machine.

The software is compatible with all major computer operating systems, notably Windows, AIX, macOS, Linux, and lots more. There is dedicated support – inbuilt OpenJDK binary – for the 3 prominent computer OS i.e. Windows, Linux, and macOS.

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This software interpreter offers an optimized setup, which is adequately equipped to, not only interpret java bytecode but also buffs up the overall performance of your Java program.

Furthermore, the software offers a customizable platform that allows you to build an OpenJDK yourself, provided you have the required expertise.

Other noteworthy features of OpenJ9 virtual machine/Java bytecode interpreter include memory footprint, swift startup, and runtime, extensive configuration, Eclipse OMR (embedded program), Just-in-time (JIT) & Ahead of time (AOT) compilers, Java dumps, system dumps, online resources and many more.

OpenJ9 is an open source application, which is being financed by donations from across the globe. Aptly put, OpenJ9 is available for free download.

Download OpenJ9

JRockit

JRockit is one of the most widely used Java virtual machines, and it stands out as one of the best software that interprets Java bytecode. The software, which was originally developed by Appeal Virtual Machine, is now owned and managed by Oracle.

It is supported on Windows and other notable operating systems. Also, the software is supported on only systems with the following ISAs: SPARC (for Solaris), x86-64 and x86.

JRockit is written in C and Java codes, and it serves as an all-round JVM – Java Virtual Machine – solution, which is aptly designed for high performance, monitoring, interpretation, and diagnosis of Java programs.

Furthermore, JRockit is optimized to guarantee the swift execution of Java apps. Other notable features of Oracle JRockit include Java bytecode interpretation, garbage collection, soft configuration, program analysis, the swift response time (in microseconds) and more.

JRockit became free software in 2011, shortly after it was acquired by Oracle. And you can now download it for free.

Download JRockit

Squawk Virtual Machine

Squawk virtual machine is a prominent JVM, which is designed for building simple Java apps. It is a micro edition JVM, specially designed for simplicity, with little external interference.

Hence, it is best adapted for small devices and micro-embedded systems. The Java bytecode interpreter is cross-compatible with all prominent operating systems, basically Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Squawk, just like most Java bytecode interpreters/virtual machines, is written in low-grade programming languages like C++ and Assembly. However, the core aspects of the software are written in Java, which makes it a “meta-circular interpreter”.

Other key features of Squawk include low memory footprint, bytecode interpretation, a simplified interface, easy debugging, cross-platform support, simple integration, and more.

Squawk is licensed under the GNU’s General Public License (GPL), and it is available for free.

Download Squawk Virtual Machine

Apache Harmony

Apache Harmony, from Apache Software, is another popular software that interprets Java bytecode. Although the software’s development stopped in 2011, it still remains one of the best Java bytecode interpreters and virtual machines out there.

Apache Harmony is supported on Windows, Linux, and macOS. There is also mobile support for Android, which now runs basically on OpenJDK libraries, rather than as a full VM.

Harmony is written in C++ and Java. And prior to official retirement in 2011, the software was only about 2% short of completeness.

Consequently, the incomplete library resulted in the termination of certain Java programs like Vuze, Geronimo (from Apache) and ArgoUML.

Nevertheless, despite the abrupt termination and near-completeness, a number of apps are still supported on Harmony. These apps include JUnit, Tomcat, Apache Velocity, Apache Ant and many more.

Other features of Apache Harmony include Java bytecode interpreter, Class library, JIT compiler, Virtual machine core, Porting layer, Thread manager, Garbage collector and many more.

Apache Harmony was retired (its development was stopped) in November 2011. However, it is still available for download, albeit with no technical support or the likes.

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In conclusion, Java bytecode interpreters are essential components in the development of Java programs. And to help inform your choice, we have reviewed five of the best Java bytecode interpreters in the market.

These Java bytecode interpreters have been selected and ranked based on their relative popularity and durability, compared to others.

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