Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is the runtime environment that executes Java bytecode, allowing Java programs to run on any device or platform without recompilation. It's like a virtual computer within your actual computer, because apparently writing code that works everywhere is too much to ask.

How to use it in a sentence

• I spent all day troubleshooting an OutOfMemoryError exception in the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) because some genius decided to load the entire dataset into a HashMap. I'm sure that made sense in the design doc written by the intern.

• The startup's engineering team couldn't decide between using Scala or Clojure for their new microservice, but they all agreed it had to run on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) since that's what their investors recommended after reading a Hacker News post.

If you actually want to learn more...

• Java's Cover - Paul Graham explains why he's not rushing to learn Java, despite its corporate backing, arguing that it's designed to constrain mediocre programmers rather than empower skilled ones.

• Ruby on Rails vs. Java Enterprise - Martin Kleppmann compares the pros and cons of Ruby on Rails and Java Enterprise for complex web apps, highlighting Rails' agility and Java's enterprise integration.

• Debian Java - Martin Fowler walks through the intricate process of installing Java 1.5 on Debian, because apparently even installing Java requires a PhD and a blood sacrifice.

Note: the Developer Dictionary is in Beta. Please direct feedback to skye@statsig.com.