Runtime Environment
A runtime environment is a software framework that provides the necessary infrastructure for executing code, managing resources, and handling system interactions. It includes components like libraries, interpreters, and virtual machines that enable programs to run on specific hardware or operating systems. Common examples include the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), Node.js, and the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR).
Developers should understand runtime environments to ensure their code runs correctly across different platforms and to optimize performance. This is crucial when deploying applications in diverse settings, such as web servers, mobile devices, or cloud infrastructures. Knowledge of runtime environments helps in debugging, managing dependencies, and leveraging platform-specific features.