Java is an Object Oriented

and Platform independent

programming language.
================================
Platform is the base on which
applications execute.
Generally the OS, HAL and Hardware
acts as a platform.
A source code program is compiled and
a binary file that is compatible with a
particular platform, is generated.
===============================
Java Virtual Machine is a software
that acts as a platform for java
applications. It uses the actual platform
(OS, HAL and Hardware) as its base.
All Java application execute on JVM.
A java source code program is compiled
and a binary file that is compatible
with a Java Virtual Machine, is generated.
So a java applications binary file can
execute on any JVM which is installed
on any OS.
Hence java programs become platform
indepedent.
===============================
What is bytecode file?
Its a binary file generated by
compiling a java program. It is
JVM compatible file and JVM
ensures that it runs on any O/S.
Hence we can say that it is a
cross platform executable file.