Java runtime environment for FGL

Software requirements when using the Java Interface

Important:

This topic is about JDK requirements for the FGL runtime system, to compile and execute server applications. To build GMA mobile applications, a different Java version may be required by Android™ tools. For more details, see Install Genero Mobile for Android.

In order to use the Java Interface in your application programs, you need the Java software installed and properly configured.

  • Install a Java Development Kit (JDK) on development sites (if you need to compile your own Java classes)
  • Install a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) on production sites (on the server where your programs are running)

Any class and jar file shipped with the FGL package (*.class or *.jar) is compiled with the command javac -source release -target release where release is the oldest release supported by javac version used on the build system. For example, java 17 supports compatibility options down to version 7. This allows the use of the FGL to java wrapper classes (IMPORT JAVA com.fourjs.fgl.lang.class-name) on installation machines using older java versions than the java version used on the porting machine.

As a general rule, always install the current Long-Term-Support (LTS) Java version available on your platform, with JNI support.

For a detailed list of supported JVMs, refer to the Supported platforms and databases document, available on the Products download page of the Four Js Web site.

The version of the installed Java software can be shown with the command:
java --version

In order to execute Java byte code, the Genero runtime system uses the JNI interface. The JVM is loaded as a shared library and its binary format must match the binary format of the Genero runtime system. For example, a 64-bit Genero package requires a 64-bit JVM.

When implementing Java classes for Genero Mobile for Android (GMA), check the JDK version required by the Android SDK. For more information, see the Android Studio web site.