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

Memory management in the JVM

In this enlightening exploration of memory management within the JVM, we’ll delve into the intricacies of memory allocation and utilization, recognizing the pivotal role memory plays in the life cycle of a Java application. Once your Java code has been compiled into bytecode, the journey into memory management begins. As the bytecode executes, it invokes the JVM, the cornerstone of Java’s platform independence, which steps forward to claim the necessary memory from the underlying system. We’ll explore the mechanisms by which the JVM interacts with the system, acquiring the memory needed for efficient program execution.

Within the rich memory landscape of the JVM, crucial components such as the heap and the stack come into play. The heap, a dynamic area where objects are stored, undergoes garbage collection to reclaim memory occupied by objects no longer in use. The stack manages method calls and local variables, providing a structured...