What is an runtime environment?

A runtime environment is a software framework that provides the necessary infrastructure for executing programs or applications. It typically includes libraries, APIs, and other components that allow programs to run and interact with the underlying system hardware and software.

In the context of programming languages, a runtime environment refers to the environment in which code written in that language is executed.

For example, Java applications run within the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which provides a runtime environment for executing Java bytecode. Similarly, JavaScript code runs within the JavaScript runtime environment provided by web browsers or server-side platforms like Node.js.

The runtime environment manages resources such as memory allocation, file access, network communication, and other system-level operations required for program execution. It also provides services like error handling, concurrency management, and security features to ensure smooth and reliable execution of programs.