Computed Java classes are called .classes. When a Java source file (with the extension .java) is compiled, the Java compiler (javac) produces a bytecode file with a .class extension for each class defined in the source file. This bytecode is platform-independent so that it can be run on any machine with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
Example
Let’s say you have a simple Java source file named HelloWorld.java:
public class HelloWorld {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello, World!");
}
}
To compile this file, you use the javac command in your terminal or command prompt:
javac HelloWorld.java
After running this command, assuming there are no compilation errors, a file named HelloWorld.class will be created in the same directory as HelloWorld.java. This .class file contains the bytecode version of the HelloWorld class, which the JVM can execute with the Java command:
java HelloWorld
This command executes the primary method of the HelloWorld class, printing “Hello World!” to the console.
As a conclusion
.class files contain bytecode that can be executed on the JVM by Java classes compiled with this extension. By utilizing this mechanism, Java can run on any device supporting Java without recompiling source code on any platform.
Reference Links to Include:
Oracle’s Java Documentation:
- For official explanations on the structure and purpose of .class files in Java.
Java Decompilation:
- Offers insights into how .class files can be decompiled back into readable Java code, highlighting their structure and content.
- Suggested Search: “Java decompilation tools”
GitHub Java Projects:
- To provide real-world examples of Java applications, allowing readers to see .class files in action within larger projects.
Stack Overflow for Understanding .class Files:
- A resource for community discussions and expert answers related to Java’s .class files and their significance.
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