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

GC overview

In the intricate landscape of JVM internals, the GC role stands as a critical component, influencing the efficiency and reliability of Java applications. Our exploration delves into the fundamental concept of garbage collection and its pivotal role in managing memory within the JVM.

At its core, the purpose of the GC is to automatically reclaim memory occupied by objects no longer in use by the program. In languages such as Java, which employ automatic memory management, developers are spared the burden of explicitly deallocating memory, enhancing productivity and reducing the likelihood of memory-related errors.

Imagine a scenario where each dynamically allocated object had to be manually deallocated by the programmer. Not only does this introduce a considerable cognitive load, but it also opens the door to memory leaks and inefficiencies. In the absence of a GC, the responsibility of memory management falls entirely on the developer’s shoulders, increasing...