0 JVM-Architecture
0 JVM-Architecture
0 JVM-Architecture
Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is a engine that provides runtime environment to drive the Java Code or
applications. It converts Java bytecode into machines language. JVM is a part of Java Run Environment
(JRE). In other programming languages, the compiler produces machine code for a particular system.
However, Java compiler produces code for a Virtual Machine known as Java Virtual Machine.
First, Java code is complied into bytecode. This bytecode gets interpreted on different machines
JVM Architecture
Let's understand the Architecture of JVM. It contains classloader, memory area, execution engine etc.
1) ClassLoader
The class loader is a subsystem used for loading class files. It performs three major functions viz. Loading,
Linking, and Initialization.
2) Method Area
JVM Method Area stores class structures like metadata, the constant runtime pool, and the code for methods.
3) Heap
All the Objects, their related instance variables, and arrays are stored in the heap. This memory is common
and shared across multiple threads.
Java language Stacks store local variables, and it’s partial results. Each thread has its own JVM stack,
created simultaneously as the thread is created. A new frame is created whenever a method is invoked, and it
is deleted when method invocation process is complete.
5) PC Registers
PC register store the address of the Java virtual machine instruction which is currently executing. In Java,
each thread has its separate PC register.
Native method stacks hold the instruction of native code depends on the native library. It is written in
another language instead of Java.
7) Execution Engine
It is a type of software used to test hardware, software, or complete systems. The test execution engine never
carries any information about the tested product.
The Native Method Interface is a programming framework. It allows Java code which is running in a JVM to
call by libraries and native applications.
Native Libraries is a collection of the Native Libraries(C, C++) which are needed by the Execution Engine.
In order to write and execute a software program, you need the following
1) Editor – To type your program into, a notepad could be used for this
2) Compiler – To convert your high language program into native machine code
3) Linker – To combine different program files reference in your main program together.
4) Loader – To load the files from your secondary storage device like Hard Disk, Flash Drive, CD into
RAM for execution. The loading is automatically done when you execute your code.
5) Execution – Actual execution of the code which is handled by your OS & processor.
With this background, refer the following video & learn the working and architecture of the Java Virtual
Machine.
C code Compilation and Execution process
To understand the Java compiling process in Java. Let's first take a quick look to compiling and linking
process in C.
Suppose in the main, you have called two function f1 and f2. The main function is stored in file a1.c.
All these files, i.e., a1.c, a2.c, and a3.c, is fed to the compiler. Whose output is the corresponding object files
which are the machine code.
The next step is integrating all these object files into a single .exe file with the help of linker. The linker will
club all these files together and produces the .exe file.
During program run, a loader program will load a.exe into the RAM for the execution.
Java code Compilation and Execution in Java VM
Let's look at the process for JAVA. In your main, you have two methods f1 and f2.
The compiler will compile the three files and produces 3 corresponding .class file which consists of BYTE
code. Unlike C, no linking is done.
The Java VM or Java Virtual Machine resides on the RAM. During execution, using the class loader the
class files are brought on the RAM. The BYTE code is verified for any security breaches.
Next, the execution engine will convert the Bytecode into Native machine code. This is just in time
compiling. It is one of the main reason why Java is comparatively slow.
NOTE: JIT or Just-in-time compiler is the part of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It interprets part of the
Byte Code that has similar functionality at the same time.
The java compiler converts high-level java code into bytecode (which is also a type of machine code).
An interpreter is a program which converts a program at one level to another programming language at
the same level. Example conversion of Java program into C++
In Java, the Just In Time Code generator converts the bytecode into the native machine code which are at the
same programming levels.
1. Dynamic Linking: Unlike C, linking is done at run-time, every time the program is run in Java.
2. Run-time Interpreter: The conversion of byte code into native machine code is done at run-time in
Java which furthers slows down the speed
However, the latest version of Java has addressed the performance bottlenecks to a great extent.
Summary:
Full form of JVM is Java Virtual Machine. JVM is the engine that drives the Java Code. It converts
Java bytecode into machines language.
In JVM, Java code is compiled to bytecode. This bytecode gets interpreted on different machines
JIT stands for Just-in-time compiler. JIT is the part of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It is used to
speed up the execution time
In comparison to other compiler machines, Java may be slow in execution.