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Understanding the Java Virtual Machine (JVM)

Explore the JVM architecture: class loader, runtime data areas, and execution engine including JIT and garbage collection.

Understanding the Java Virtual Machine (JVM)

The JVM is the runtime engine that executes Java bytecode. It provides platform independence, memory management, and performance optimisations.

Main Subsystems

  1. Class Loader Subsystem – loads, links, and initialises classes.
  2. Runtime Data Area – memory regions where execution data lives (Method Area, Heap, Stack, PC Register, Native Method Stack).
  3. Execution Engine – interprets bytecode or compiles it to native code via the JIT, and includes the Garbage Collector.
Class LoaderRuntime Data AreaExecution EngineMethod AreaHeapStack (per thread)PC RegisterNative Method StackInterpreterJIT CompilerGarbage CollectorNative Interface (JNI)
Simplified view of the JVM architecture
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