jCardSim is a Java Card development platform that allows developers to test and prototype Java Card applications without using actual smart cards. It provides a full emulation of the Java Card environment and supports common cryptographic algorithms. Some key advantages are its cross-platform support, ability to rapidly prototype and test applications, and ease of debugging interactions between apps and the Java Card runtime environment. It is used by companies like Thales and BMW/Audi for JavaCard app development as well as other organizations for prototyping and education.