# System requirements

Derby is a database engine written completely in the Java programming language. The database will run in any certified Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

You must have a Java Development Kit (JDK) version 1.4 or higher installed on your computer. The JDK is required to perform the activities in the Self-study tutorial for users new to Derby.

To check that the correct version of the JDK is installed, issue the `java -version` command.

Parent topic: Introduction to Derby