Can I run a class file that is compiled in lower environment?

Yes, you can run a class file that is compiled in lower environment.

 

For example, Let me compile a class in JDK1.7 and try to run in JDK1.8.

 

HelloWorld.java

public class HelloWorld {
  
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    System.out.println("Hello World");
  }

}

Compile the class using jdk1.7 compiler.

$/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.7.0_80.jdk/Contents/Home/bin/javac HelloWorld.java 
$
$ls
HelloWorld.class	HelloWorld.java

Let’s run the class using JDK1.8 runtime.

$/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.8.0_311.jdk/Contents/Home/bin/java HelloWorld
Hello World

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