Runtime system

<p>In <a href="/facts/Computer_programming/QmSsFnu0">computer programming</a>, a runtime system or runtime environment is a sub-system that exists in the computer where a program is created, as well as in the computers where the program is intended to be run. The name comes from the <a href="/facts/Compile_time/yCdI3oqn">compile time</a> and <a href="/facts/Runtime_(program_lifecycle_phase)/lCxKsrzB">runtime</a> division from <a href="/facts/Compiled_language/WRqIRjFx">compiled languages</a>, which similarly distinguishes the computer processes involved in the creation of a program (compilation) and its execution in the target machine (the runtime).
</p><p>Most <a href="/facts/Programming_language/cWTYbgWa">programming languages</a> have some form of runtime system that provides an environment in which programs run. This environment may address a number of issues including the <a href="/facts/Memory_management/vthLkUpz">management</a> of application <a href="/facts/Computer_memory/hQKVQ51J">memory</a>, how the program accesses <a href="/facts/Variable_(computer_science)/VoCKtwml">variables</a>, mechanisms for passing parameters between <a href="/facts/Subroutine/9vFJrg0A">procedures</a>, interfacing with the <a href="/facts/Operating_system/8XTuvMh2">operating system</a> (OS), among others. The <a href="/facts/Compiler/WNfCDFJe">compiler</a> makes assumptions depending on the specific runtime system to generate correct code. Typically the runtime system will have some responsibility for setting up and managing the <a href="/facts/Call_stack/1sMt713v">stack</a> and <a href="/facts/C_dynamic_memory_allocation/llutVVlp">heap</a>, and may include features such as <a href="/facts/Garbage_collection_(computer_science)/j2vlIu7g">garbage collection</a>, <a href="/facts/Thread_(computing)/hh8WHyPd">threads</a> or other <a href="/facts/Dynamic_programming_language/j8cQm8RF">dynamic</a> features built into the language.
</p>

Runtime system open-in-new

Runtime system