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

Class File Structure

Within the intricate tapestry of Java virtual machine (JVM) internals, the class file structure is a vital guide, leading us through the intricate dance of bytecode, constant pools, and class loading. As we delve into this chapter, our focus sharpens on unraveling the binary intricacies encoded within Java class files, shedding light on the mechanisms orchestrating the seamless execution of Java applications.

At its core, bytecode serves as the silent conductor, translating the high-level language of Java into a form understandable to the JVM. This chapter dissects the bytecode architecture, exploring how it encapsulates program logic and bridges the semantic gap between developers and the JVM. Parallelly, we unveil the symbolic repository known as the constant pool, delving into its role as a keeper of constants, strings, and other symbolic elements. Additionally, we explore class loading, the dynamic gateway shaping the runtime environment, and its pivotal...