Runtime Environment
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TLDR: A runtime environment refers to the software layer that provides the necessary resources and services for executing a program while it is running. It includes components such as libraries, frameworks, memory management systems, and virtual machines. A notable example is the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), introduced in 1995, which facilitates the execution of Java programs by providing the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and standard libraries. The runtime environment ensures that applications run consistently across different platforms.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runtime_system
The runtime environment manages key operations such as memory allocation, exception handling, and input/output processing. It acts as a bridge between the application and the underlying operating system, allowing developers to write code without worrying about hardware-specific details. For example, the JRE interprets Java bytecode and converts it into machine instructions suitable for the target CPU. Similarly, environments like Python's interpreter execute programs dynamically, enabling flexibility and rapid development.
https://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/technotes/guides/install/overview.html
Advanced runtime environments also include features like just-in-time compilation (as seen in the JVM), which optimizes program performance by compiling frequently executed code paths into native machine code during execution. Modern development frameworks often bundle customized runtime environments, such as Node.js for JavaScript, providing integrated tools and libraries for building applications. By abstracting low-level complexities, runtime environments play a critical role in enhancing developer productivity and ensuring application portability.