32-bit versus 64-bit

[newbie123]

I have a deployment issue that I am hoping someone can help me with.

I have a 64-bit machine running Windows 7. I downloaded the 64-bit version of JDK 1.7 and was able to build and run an executable just fine.

I gave the executable to another Windows user, but she got the "Java Runtime Environment not found" error. She is running a 32-bit version of the most current JRE.

The proximate question is: Could this be the source of the runtime error?

The ultimate question is: What is the story about compatibility between 32- and 64-bit versions of Java? Can a 32-bit executable run under a 64-bit JRE and vice versa?

Thanks.

[kammce]

I do not believe that the architecture of the JVM that you compiled the program on has anything to do with Runtime errors. The Java Runtime Environment can be x32 or x64 but that does not really matter to the program. The program works the same regardless. Java program compilers are not like C compilers.

Lastly, check to see if you client is using the same version java that you are using. If so, have your client re-install their JVM, if not, tell her to install the version you have, or you could compile your program in a version that she has. 1.6 is a safe Java bet, while a lot of people have not updated to 1.7.

[newbie123]

I'll have her look at the install. It might be something as simple as the an environmental variable not being set properly (e.g., JRE_HOME).

Thanks.

[kammce]

That is what I was thinking.

[newbie123]

The problem has been solved. The wrapper that was used for the jar file was 64-bit, while the computer that was running it was 32-bit.

Thanks again Kammce!