[java] What is the difference between x86 and x64

If you download Java Development Kit(JDK) then there is a difference as it contains native libraries which differ for different architectures:

  • x86 is for 32-bit OS
  • x64 is for 64-bit OS

In addition you can use 32-bit JDK(x86) on 64-bit OS. But you can not use 64-bit JDK on 32-bit OS.

At the same time you can run compiled Java classes on any JVM. It does not matter whether it 32 or 64-bit.