- Running a program can be done through compiling or interpreting. Compiling translates source code to machine code while interpreting reads and executes source code instructions. - Java code execution involves compiling source code (.java files) to byte code (.class files) using a compiler (javac). The byte code is then interpreted by the Java run-time program (java) or an IDE like BlueJ to execute the program. - Key aspects of Java development include the Java Development Kit (JDK) which includes the compiler and libraries, and BlueJ as an integrated development environment for designing, developing and testing Java software.