#Interviewer: Is Java a compiled language or an interpreted one?

Both. Yes, Java is both compiled as well as interpreted language. This is what
makes it platform-independent. Java Code >> Compile (javac) >> Bytecode (portable
code) >> Interpret (platform specific) >> Machine Code >> Execute.

Normal:

1. Java Compiler (javac) compiles Java code to Bytecode (which is platform-

independent).
2. Java Interpreter (java) interprets this bytecode (line-by-line) & convert it to
Machine language.
3. Execute.

Exception: JIT (Just In Time) Compiler

1. JVM maintains the count for no of times a function is executed.

2. If it exceeds the limit then JIT directly compiles the Java code into Machine
language. No Interpretation.

In General,

• Compile: Source code >> Optimized Object Code (can be machine code or other
optimized code)
• Interpret: Source Code >> Machine Code (to be executed)