Glossary · Automation software engineering and architecture
Runtime environment
Also known as: Runtime, Run-time system
German: Laufzeitumgebung
In computing, a runtime environment is the software layer that provides the services a program needs while it executes, such as memory management, task execution, libraries and access to hardware or the operating system.
- Software engineering
In one sentence
A runtime environment is the software layer providing the services a program needs while it runs, such as memory, tasks and libraries.
Example
The PLC project is compiled for the controller's runtime environment, which executes the cyclic tasks and provides access to the I/O image.
How it applies
- Engineering: Programs are built for a specific runtime version. PLC runtimes, Java or .NET runtimes and container runtimes all define which features and libraries are available.
- Maintenance: Updating the runtime can change behavior or timing even if the application is unchanged. Runtime updates therefore need Version compatibility checks and regression tests.
- Documentation: State the required runtime and supported versions in the system requirements. Compatibility matrices between application versions and runtime versions are among the most consulted pages in technical documentation.
Runtime environment vs. execution environment
The terms overlap. Runtime environment usually refers to the software layer; Execution environment can include the whole context in which software runs, including hardware, operating system and configuration.