Overview of Java ME

Unlike Java SE, Java ME is not a piece of software, nor is it a single specification. This difference can be confusing, even for developers who are already familiar with Java SE. Instead, Java ME is a platform, a collection of technologies and specifications that are designed for different parts of the small device market. Because Java ME spans such a variety of devices, it wouldn't make sense to try to create a one-size-fits-all solution.

Java ME, therefore, is divided into configurations, profiles,and optional packages. Configurations are specifications that detail a virtual machine and a base set of APIs that can be used with a certain class of device. A configuration, for example, might be designed for devices that have less than 512 KB of memory and an intermittent network connection. The virtual machine is either a full Java Virtual Machine¹ (as described in the specification) or some subset of the full JVM¹. The set of APIs is customarily a subset of the Java SE APIs.