Java SE 6, Platform Name and Version Numbers
At this release, the platform name has changed from J2SE to Java SE. The official name is Java Platform, Standard Edition 6.
Both version numbers ( 1.6.0 and 6) are used to identify this release of the Java Platform. Version 6 is the product version, while 1.6.0 is the developer version. The number 6 is used to reflect the evolving level of maturity, stability, scalability and security of Java SE.
Version 6 Used in Platform and Product Names
Version 6 is used in the platform and product names as given in this table:
| Full Name | Abbreviation | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform name | Java Platform, Standard Edition 6 | Java SE 6 |
| Products delivered under the platform | Java SE Development Kit 6 | JDK 6 |
| Java SE Runtime Environment 6 | JRE 6 |
Due to significant popularity within the Java developer community, "JDK" continues to be the acronym for the development kit, as does "JRE" for the runtime environment. Notice that "JDK" stands for "Java SE Development Kit" (to distinguish it from the Java EE Development Kit known as SDK). The name "Java Development Kit" is no longer used, and has not been offically used since 1.1, prior to the advent of Java EE and Java ME.
Version 1.6.0 Used by Developers
Java SE keeps the version number 1.6.0 (or 1.6) in some places that are visible only to developers, or where the version number is parsed by programs. As mentioned, 1.6.0 refers to exactly the same platform and products numbered 6. Version numbers 1.6.0 and 1.6 are used at:
java -version(among other info, returnsjava version "1.6.0")java -fullversion(returnsjava full version "1.6.0-bxx")javac -source 1.6(is an alias forjavac -source 6)java.versionsystem propertyjava.vm.versionsystem property@since 1.6tag valuesjdk1.6.0installation directoryjre1.6.0installation directory