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Mastering the Java Virtual Machine
Mastering the Java Virtual Machine

Mastering the Java Virtual Machine: An in-depth guide to JVM internals and performance optimization

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Profile Icon Otavio Santana
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Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon 3.3 (7 Ratings)
Paperback Feb 2024 234 pages 1st Edition
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Profile Icon Otavio Santana
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Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon 3.3 (7 Ratings)
Paperback Feb 2024 234 pages 1st Edition
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Mastering the Java Virtual Machine

Introduction to the Java Virtual Machine

In the ever-expanding software development universe, Java is a shining star known for its versatility, cross-platform capabilities, and robust performance. At the heart of Java’s exceptional capabilities lies the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), a sophisticated technology that serves as the backbone of the Java ecosystem. In this chapter, we embark on an enlightening journey to demystify the inner workings of the JVM, delving deep into its internals to unveil the secrets of its operation.

In this chapter, we will delve deeper into the historical evolution of the JVM, explore its architecture, and understand its role in executing Java applications. Furthermore, we’ll cover essential topics, such as bytecode, class loading, memory management, and the execution engine, which form the foundation of the JVM’s functioning. By the end of this chapter, you will possess the foundational knowledge needed to unravel the intricate inner...

Technical requirements

Exploring the evolution of Java

The Java programming language, along with its robust platform, has a storied history characterized by its unique and innovative features. A central figure in this narrative is the JVM, a crucial component that has left an indelible mark on Java’s evolution and enduring significance. The JVM plays a pivotal role in making Java what it is today, and its importance to Java’s history cannot be overstated.

The JVM is the linchpin that enables Java’s Write Once, Run Anywhere promise to become a reality. This promise, which redefined software development, directly responded to the challenges of creating software for networked consumer devices such as set-top boxes, routers, and other multimedia devices. By design, the JVM allows compiled Java code to be transported across networks, operate seamlessly on various client machines, and provide safety assurance. The JVM’s architecture and execution model ensures that Java programs...

An overview of the JVM

The JVM is the bedrock upon which the entire Java platform stands. It serves as the silent but omnipresent guardian of Java, facilitating its unique attributes. The JVM is responsible for the platform’s independence from specific hardware and operating systems, the compact size of compiled Java code, and its formidable ability to safeguard users against malicious programs.

In essence, the JVM is an abstract computing machine, not unlike a tangible computer you might find on your desk. It boasts an instruction set and manipulates various memory areas by executing code at runtime. Implementing a programming language using a virtual machine is not new, with one of the most prominent examples being the P-Code machine of UCSD Pascal. This foundation allows the JVM to transcend physical hardware and provide a consistent environment for Java applications.

The journey of the JVM, however, began with a prototype implementation at Sun Microsystems, Inc., where...

Summary

In this chapter, you have comprehensively understood the JVM, unraveling its critical role in executing Java applications. We explored the platform-specific nature of the JVM, emphasizing that, despite the Java language’s platform independence, each platform requires a distinct virtual machine implementation for optimal compatibility and performance.

The information provided in this chapter is invaluable for several reasons. Firstly, it demystifies the underlying workings of the JVM, shedding light on its role in making Java’s Write Once, Run Anywhere promise a reality. Understanding the JVM’s platform-specific adaptation is crucial for developers and practitioners in ensuring their Java applications perform optimally across diverse hardware and operating system environments.

Looking ahead to the next chapter, How the JVM Executes Java Code, you can expect a deeper dive into the dynamic processes that occur when Java code is executed within the JVM...

Questions

Answer the following questions to test your knowledge of this chapter:

  1. What is the primary purpose of the JVM?
    1. To write Java code
    2. To compile Java code
    3. To run Java applications
    4. To debug Java code
  2. How does the JVM handle boolean values?
    1. As a distinct data type
    2. As an array of bytes
    3. As an integer type
    4. As a floating-point type
  3. What is the initial state of a reference value in the JVM?
    1. Undefined
    2. Zero
    3. Null
    4. True
  4. Which of the following is not a type of reference in the JVM?
    1. Classes
    2. Arrays
    3. Interfaces
    4. Primitives
  5. What is the primary role of the returnAddress type in the JVM?
    1. Representing boolean values
    2. Managing method invocations and returns
    3. Handling exceptions
    4. Storing reference values

Answers

Here are the answers to this chapter’s questions:

  1. C. To run Java applications
  2. C. As an integer type
  3. C. Null
  4. D. Primitives
  5. B. Managing method invocations and returns
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Key benefits

  • Uncover the intricacies of JVM, from class loading to garbage collection, and more
  • Master JVM memory management for efficient resource use and reduced overhead
  • Apply JVM knowledge through case studies, reinforcing your understanding of internals
  • Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Description

Mastering the Java Virtual Machine is a comprehensive guide that will take you into the heart of the Java programming language, 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 Java book, you’ll have the skills needed to excel in Java programming, writing efficient and maintainable code.

Who is this book for?

This book is for Java developers looking to deepen their expertise in the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and optimize Java applications for peak performance. It is ideal for both intermediate-level and seasoned professionals, who want to explore specific aspects such as JVM internals, memory management, threading, security, and performance tuning.

What you will learn

  • Understand JVM architecture and bytecode execution
  • Explore memory management and optimize memory usage
  • Compare and evaluate alternative JVMs like GraalVM
  • Master reflection for dynamic behavior in Java applications
  • Use Java annotation processors for code generation
  • Get to grips with reactive programming principles for scalable applications

Product Details

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Publication date : Feb 29, 2024
Length: 234 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781835467961
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Product Details

Publication date : Feb 29, 2024
Length: 234 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781835467961
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Table of Contents

18 Chapters
Part 1: Understanding the JVM Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Java Virtual Machine Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 2: Class File Structure Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 3: Understanding Bytecodes Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 2: Memory Management and Execution Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 4: Execution Engine Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 5: Memory Management Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 6: Garbage Collection and Memory Profiling Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 3: Alternative JVMs Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 7: GraalVM Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 8: The JVM Ecosystem and Alternative JVMs Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 4: Advanced Java Topics Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 9: Java Framework Principles Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 10: Reflection Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 11: Java Annotation Processor Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 12: Final Considerations Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Top Reviews
Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon 3.3
(7 Ratings)
5 star 42.9%
4 star 0%
3 star 14.3%
2 star 28.6%
1 star 14.3%
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Sergio Sep 20, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
And this book will deliver what it promises, you start with Part 1, giving a great view of what we have inside the Java Virtual Machine (or JVM), giving a lesson on how it works, the class structure, bytecode.Then we will talk about Memory, going through how the Execution Engine works, how the JVM deals with Memory, we will talk about Garbage Collection and which one to use and when, how to deal with Memory Profiling, and here you will have a lesson on how How this whole part works and how you can use it to your advantage, with indications of extra reading that will expand your horizons about dealing with memory and GC in Java.Then you will explore the multiple flavors of JVM that you will find out there, such as GraalVM, Eclipse J9, Azul Zulu, Amazon Corretto, and so on. This topic is important for you to understand the diversity of this ecosystem and how it can help you.And it will end with some advanced topics to talk about Reflection and Annotation and also giving a great look at Frameworks.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Otávio Gonçalves de Santana Sep 13, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
An excellent book for those who want to learn more about JVM, where the author covers several topics around Java and the JVM.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Tiny May 09, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Great book with step by step guides to use the JVM We all know how early Java had security flaws and issues. This provides comprehensive details about how to get to the next level, empowering your JVM solutions to deliver custom, secured applications. The real power in Java is in the write once, run anywhere methodology that supports multiple functions while maintaining consistent code base, recommend for anyone running any JVM implementations.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Changsheng Yang May 07, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 3
Feefo Verified review Feefo
Alexander Motorin Jun 24, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 2
I'm already annoyed by the overuse of the words "seamless" and "pivotal". Everything is f...ign pivotal and seamless in this book. Generally author's vocabulary seems pretty limited, you'll read certain words over and over again until you can't take it anymore. The book is full of obsolete filler passages that gain you absolutely nothing — you're constantly educated that knowing this and that makes you master in dealing with xy, in some places quite laughable remarks even. There are plenty of them. I made it to page 40 and such unprecedented level of utmost poor, repetitive language feels almost infuriating at this point.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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