Difference between JAVA_HOME and JRE_HOME? [duplicate]

Question

In which scenario we go for the JRE_HOME? If I have not mention JRE_HOME what will happen?

Answer 1

• Variable JRE_HOME is used for JRE (Java Runtime Environment). It's the Java Virtual Machine where Java programs run on. My example of %JRE_HOME%: C:\Dev\jre1.8.0_65
• Variable JAVA_HOME is used for JDK (Java Development Kit). It's the development kit to create and compile programs in Java. My example of %JAVA_HOME%: C:\Dev\jdk1.8.0_65

Shortly you use JRE in case you care of running programs only. On the other hand developing Java programs requires JDK.