> Does Java work independently of the Operating System? This question sounds oddly phrased. Java applications require a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to run, therefore the compiled Java application can run on a Windows/Linux/Mac when compiled on any OS, because the JRE is the middle man making things work (write once, run anywhere). Unlike C++ for example, a C++ application compiled on a Windows machine cannot run on a Linux machine and must be recompiled.