The JVM architecture consists of three core cores: class loader, runtime data area and execution engine; the class loader is responsible for loading .class files, the runtime data area includes heap, stack, etc. for storing data, and the execution engine is responsible for interpreting or compiling bytecode; the heap stores object instances in the runtime data area, the method area saves class information, and stack management method calls; the class loading mechanism includes three stages: loading, linking, and initialization, and follows the parent delegation model to ensure security; mastering these basic structures helps troubleshoot problems and optimize performance.
The JVM architecture is actually not that mysterious, but understanding it is very helpful for writing Java programs well. Simply put, JVM is the core mechanism for running Java programs, which is responsible for loading classes, managing memory, executing code, etc. You don't need to be an expert, but mastering the basic structure and key modules can help you better troubleshoot problems and optimize performance.

Three core components of JVM
The JVM can be divided into three main parts: Class Loader, Runtime Data Area and Execution Engine. These three work together to complete the process from loading bytecode to executing code.

- Class loader : Responsible for loading the .class file into the JVM and generating the corresponding class structure.
- Runtime data area : includes method area, heap, stack, program counter, and local method stack, which is used to store various data during operation.
- Execution engine : interprets or compiles bytecode, and ultimately converts it into machine instructions for execution.
These parts collaborate with each other, forming the basis for Java's "write once, run everywhere".
Key details of runtime data area
This part is one of the most commonly mentioned content in the JVM, especially the heap and stack problems often appear in interviews and tuning. Let’s disassemble several key areas:

- Heap : All threads share and store object instances. GC mainly works here. If the heap is too small, it is easy to OOM; if it is too large, it may affect GC efficiency.
- Method Area : Save class information, constant pools, static variables, etc. After JDK8, it is replaced by metaspace.
- Virtual machine stack (Java Stack) : Each thread is private, saves local variables, operand stacks, etc., which are closely related to method calls.
- Program Counter (PC Register) : Records the bytecode position of the current thread execution, and is the smallest memory area.
For example, when you new an object, the object will be allocated on the heap; and the method of creating this object will have its own frame structure in the stack.
Basic process of class loading mechanism
The class loading process is divided into several stages: loading, linking (verification, preparation, parsing), and initialization. Understanding this process helps to understand when a class will be loaded, when static code blocks will be executed, etc.
- Loading : Find the .class file through the fully qualified name of the class, read and generate the Class object.
- Verification : Ensure bytecode security and prevent malicious code from corruption of JVM.
- Preparation : Allocate memory for class variables and set default initial values.
- Analysis : Convert symbolic references to direct references, such as converting method names in the class to memory addresses.
- Initialization : Execute the class constructor
<clinit></clinit>
method, that is, the static code block and static variable assignment.
Class loading also involves a parent delegation model, that is, let the parent class loader try to load first, avoiding duplicate loading and security issues.
Basically that's it. Understanding the JVM architecture does not necessarily require remembering all the details, but knowing the role of each module and common problems will make you more comfortable in development and debugging.
The above is the detailed content of Understanding the Java Virtual Machine Architecture. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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