> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://aletyx.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Runtimes

> Execution environments for Apache KIE components: Quarkus as the preferred runtime, Spring Boot as a supported alternative, and embedded Java mode for Drools.

[<img src="https://mintcdn.com/aletyx-3353d50c/UdT8DI1QFCgugDzY/images/architecture/core/processes/images/runtimes.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=UdT8DI1QFCgugDzY&q=85&s=1ffd04b013fccff41361291adccded73" alt="The Runtimes" width="574" height="255" data-path="images/architecture/core/processes/images/runtimes.png" />](/docs/images/architecture/core/processes/images/runtimes.png)

While **runtimes** are not inherently tied to workflow execution, they play a crucial role in defining the execution environment for Apache KIE components. Understanding their relationship within the ecosystem is essential for deployment and integration.

### Supported Runtimes

In the Apache KIE context, **runtime** refers to the underlying platform where the software runs. Currently, two primary runtimes are supported:

1. **Quarkus** – The preferred and most mature integration, benefiting from historical affinity with Red Hat technologies.
2. **Spring Boot** – A supported alternative but not as feature-complete as Quarkus.

For **Drools**, Apache KIE also supports an **embedded mode**, allowing direct execution via a simple **Java main** method without requiring a full runtime framework.

By aligning with **Quarkus** as the preferred runtime, Apache KIE ensures optimized performance, efficient resource utilization, and seamless cloud-native integration.