Java Platform is a virtual machine that contains its development environment and is necessary to run Java-based games and applications.

Functionality

Java Runtime Environment for Windows x64, in simple terms, is a kind of container with Java applications running inside. So, it provides security, stability, and environment for some parts of the software on your computer.

Previously, developers frequently used Java for creating «applets» - small applications running directly inside the browser. For example, a calendar, guestbook, or online chat.

Current JavaScript web technologies do not require the presence of installed software. But still, many sites run on old Java tech. And if you don’t have it on your device, such pages may display incorrectly or fail to work the way they should. Some web applications in social networks also require JRE installed on the PC.

Conclusions

Now, as well as before, Java is one of the most extensively used programming languages for desktop applications. So, some apps will simply fail to run without JRE on your desktop or some other device.

Programmers will need Java to run some IDE (integrated development environments).