SableVM: a research framework for the efficient execution of java bytecode

  • Authors:
  • Etienne M. Gagnon;Laurie J. Hendren

  • Affiliations:
  • Sable Research Group, School of Computer Science, McGill University;Sable Research Group, School of Computer Science, McGill University

  • Venue:
  • JVM'01 Proceedings of the 2001 Symposium on JavaTM Virtual Machine Research and Technology Symposium - Volume 1
  • Year:
  • 2001

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Abstract

SableVM is an open-source virtual machine for Java intended as a research framework for efficient execution of Java bytecode. The framework is essentially composed of an extensible bytecode interpreter using state-of-the-art and innovative techniques. Written in the C programming language, and assuming minimal system dependencies, the interpreter emphasizes high-level techniques to support efficient execution. In particular, we introduce a biderectional layout for object instances that groups reference fields sequentially to allow efficient garbage collection. We also introduce a sparse interface virtual table layout that reduces the cost of interface method calls to that of normal virtual calls. Finally, we present a technique to improve thin locks[13] by eliminating busy-wait in presence of contention.