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

Java stack

In this section, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the Java stack – a fundamental component within the JVM. Like the PC, the Java stack is a private register exclusive to each thread, functioning as a repository for method execution information. This section delves into the Java stack’s operation, drawing parallels with classical languages such as C and shedding light on its role in storing local variables, partial results, method invocations, and results.

Like classical languages such as C, the Java stack operates by storing frames, each encapsulating crucial information related to method execution. These frames hold parameters, local variables, and other essential data. The Java stack’s functionality extends beyond direct variable modifications; instead, it gracefully inserts and removes frames to accommodate the evolving state of thread execution.

When a thread calls a method, the Java stack undergoes a dynamic transformation by inserting...