The Java Virtual Machine Specification

The nucleus of the Java programming language, the Java Virtual Machine is the technology responsible for Java's cross-platform delivery, the small size of its compiled code, and its security capabilities.

Written by its designers and implementors, this book represents the complete and definitive specification for the Java Virtual Machine. It is an essential reference for compiler writers and Java Virtual Machine implementors. For all Java programmers, the book offers a unique and fascinating internal view of how Java really works.

In this book, you will find comprehensive coverage of the Java Virtual Machine class file format and instruction set. In addition, directions for compiling for the Java Virtual Machine with numerous practical examples clarify how the Java Virtual Machine operates in practice. The book also demonstrates the Java Virtual Machine's powerful verification techniques. In all, the book provides sufficient detail to enable you to implement your own fully-compatible Java Virtual Machine.

Tim Lindholm, Distinguished Engineer in Java Software at Sun Microsystems, Inc., was an original member of the Java project at Sun. He was a key contributor to the Java programming language and remains the senior architect of the Java virtual machine and the Java 2 runtime environment. He is also the Technical Editor of The Java(TM) Series.

Frank Yellin, Staff Engineer in Embedded and Consumer at Sun Microsystems, Inc., was an original member of the Java project at Sun. He has spent a decade working on the runtime systems for interpreted and compiled languages. Previously he worked at Lucid, where he focused on multitasking, garbage collection, interrupts, and the compilation of Common Lisp.

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