For example, as a post-compilation step you could massage the .class data to make the byte code either harder to read when decompiled or harder to decompile into valid Java code (or both).

Java famously runs on billions of devices, including workstations, desktops, tablets, supercomputers, and jewelry. Yes, jewelry. Look it up. [Michael] realized Java doesn’t run on Commodore 6… ...

Direct execution of Java byte code is possible thanks to a Java extension to the ARM processor core by ARM Ltd., Cambridge, England. Known as Jazelle, ... For example, designers writing a ...

The code could have contained a security flaw, for example. If it did, then fixing all the vulnerable applications would have taken months or years, leaving users exposed to attacks.