I guess Java SE (Standard Edition) is what I should install on my Windows 7 desktop
Yes obviously . Java SE is the best to start with. By the way, you need to learn the Java basics. This means you need to learn some of the libraries and APIs in Java SE.
Difference between Java Platform Editions:
- Highly optimized runtime environment.
- Target consumer products ( Paging cell phones).
- Java ME was formerly known as Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition, or J2ME.
Java Standard Edition (Java SE):
Java tools, runtime and API for developers who write, distribute and run applets and applications. Java SE was formerly known as Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition, or J2SE. (all / beginners as of this one)
Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE):
Target enterprise-class applications server side . Java EE was formerly known as Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition, or J2EE.
Another duplicate question for this question.
Finally, approx J .. confusion
JVM is part of both the JDK and the JRE that translates Java byte codes and executes them as native code on the client machine.
JRE (Java Runtime Environment):
It is the intended environment for running Java programs. It contains a JVM, class libraries and other supporting files. It it does not contain any development tools such as compiler, debugger and so on.
JDK contains the tools needed to develop Java programs (javac, Java, javadoc, appletviewer, jdb, javap, rmic, …) and JRE to run the program.
Java SDK (Java Software Development Kit):
SDK includes a JDK and additional software, such as application server, debugger, and documentation.
The Java, Standard Edition (Java SE) platform allows you to develop and deploy Java applications on desktops and servers (as per the SDK).
J2SE, J2ME, J2EE
Any Java edition from 1.2 to 1.5
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