Book Image

Mastering the Java Virtual Machine

By : Otavio Santana
Book Image

Mastering the Java Virtual Machine

By: Otavio Santana

Overview of this book

Mastering the Java Virtual Machine is a comprehensive guide that will take you into the heart of Java programming, guiding you through the intricate workings of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and equipping you with essential skills to become a proficient Java developer. You’ll start by understanding the JVM, exploring its architecture and how it executes Java code. Through detailed explanations and real-world examples, you’ll gain a deep understanding of JVM internals, enabling you to write efficient and optimized Java applications. As you progress, you’ll delve into memory management and execution, unraveling the complexities of heap and stack management, garbage collection, and memory profiling. You'll learn how memory is allocated and reclaimed in the JVM, as well as how to optimize memory usage and identify performance bottlenecks in your applications. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to create Java programs that are not only robust but also highly performant. By the end of this book, you’ll have the skills needed to excel in Java programming, writing efficient, maintainable code.
Table of Contents (19 chapters)
Free Chapter
1
Part 1: Understanding the JVM
5
Part 2: Memory Management and Execution
9
Part 3: Alternative JVMs
12
Part 4: Advanced Java Topics

An overview of the JVM

The JVM is the bedrock upon which the entire Java platform stands. It serves as the silent but omnipresent guardian of Java, facilitating its unique attributes. The JVM is responsible for the platform’s independence from specific hardware and operating systems, the compact size of compiled Java code, and its formidable ability to safeguard users against malicious programs.

In essence, the JVM is an abstract computing machine, not unlike a tangible computer you might find on your desk. It boasts an instruction set and manipulates various memory areas by executing code at runtime. Implementing a programming language using a virtual machine is not new, with one of the most prominent examples being the P-Code machine of UCSD Pascal. This foundation allows the JVM to transcend physical hardware and provide a consistent environment for Java applications.

The journey of the JVM, however, began with a prototype implementation at Sun Microsystems, Inc., where...