The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is an abstract, portable machine that provides an execution environment for Java byte code, allowing Java programs to run on any hardware with a compatible JVM implementation. Java, a general-purpose object-oriented programming language created by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems in 1995, is compiled into platform-independent byte code, which the JVM executes. This key feature enables Java applications to be written once and executed across various platforms.

The JVM is crucial due to Java's status as one of the most popular programming languages, consistently ranking among the top three in language popularity rankings. Its platform independence facilitates easy migration of Java applications across different computer architectures. Recent advancements have significantly improved JVM performance on Arm64 servers, with Java workloads running on Java 21 or later achieving up to 30% faster execution compared to Java 8, without requiring any code modifications.

• What does the Java Virtual Machine do all day? https://amperecomputing.com/blogs/what_does_the_java_virtual_machine_do_all_day
• Unlocking Java Performance tuning guide https://amperecomputing.com/tuning-guides/unlocking-java-performance-tuning-guide
• Case Study: Oracle Fusion Migrates from x86 to Ampere Processors for a More Sustainable Solution https://amperecomputing.com/assets/oracle_fusionapps_casestudy_c1e559dac4.pdf
• Popular programming languages – the TIOBE index https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/