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

Decoding class files

The class file structure is the linchpin in the symbiotic relationship between compiled Java code and the JVM. In JVM execution, where platform independence is paramount, the class file format emerges as a standardized, hardware-agnostic binary representation of compiled Java code. This format is a pivotal bridge, allowing developers to express their intent through high-level Java code (and even other languages such as Kotlin) while ensuring the JVM can understand and execute it seamlessly across diverse hardware and operating systems.

This structured format is not merely a binary translation of Java source code; it is a meticulous blueprint that the JVM relies upon to navigate the intricacies of bytecode, constant pools, and class loading. By adhering to the class file structure, the JVM gains a universal understanding of how to interpret and execute Java programs. Moreover, the class file format encapsulates critical details, such as byte ordering, which might...