What software is needed for a computer to run Java programs?

To run Java programs, a virtual machine is essential because it provides an environment where Java bytecode can be executed. When Java code is compiled, it is transformed into an intermediate form called bytecode, which is platform-independent. This bytecode is then executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), allowing Java applications to run on any system that has the appropriate JVM installed. This is a key feature of Java that supports its "write once, run anywhere" capability, enabling developers to create applications without worrying about the underlying hardware or operating system being used.

While compilers, interpreters, and debuggers are important tools in programming, they serve different purposes: a compiler translates code from a high-level programming language to a lower-level form, an interpreter directly executes high-level code, and a debugger helps identify and fix issues in code during development. However, none of these components can substitute for the JVM in executing Java bytecode.