JVM STANDS for Java Virtual Machine. It is the driving force that provides the run time environment. It converts the Java ByteCode into machine code. It is an abstract machine that provides the specification for execution of a Java program during runtime.

JVM loads the byte code and verifies it. It also runs the code and provides runtime environment.

During compile time, the Java Compiler converts the Source Code into the ByteCode. The components REQUIRED to execute the bytecode are provided by the Java Virtual Machine, which invocates the processor to allot the needed resources. JVMs are BASED on stacks so they implement stacks to read and process the bytecode.

In other words when we compile a .java file, files with nomenclature same to that of the class are created with the extension .class by the Java Compiler. These files contain the byte code. There are various STEPS involved when a .class file is executed. These steps provide a detailed account of the Java Virtual Machine.