Towards an Algebraic Specification of the Java Virtual Machine

  • Authors:
  • K. Stephenson

  • Affiliations:
  • -

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the ESPRIT Working Group 8533 on Prospects for Hardware Foundations: NADA - New Hardware Design Methods, Survey Chapters
  • Year:
  • 1998

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Abstract

We develop an algebraic specification of the architecture of an abstract and simplified version of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This concentration on the implementation-independent features of the machine allows us to build a clean and easily comprehensible model in which its structure is emphasised. We then axiomatise the semantics of programs operating on this architecture. We also consider how we can concretise this abstract model which provides us with a firm foundation for exploring the entire JVM and thus of analysing the correctness of Java implementations.