May 1, 2024
Updated May 10, 2025
25 minute read
The Java Virtual Machine, or JVM, is a crucial piece of technology in the world of software development. At its core, the JVM is an abstract computing machine that enables a computer to run Java programs, as well as programs written in other languages that compile to Java bytecode. It acts as a runtime engine, translating compiled Java code (bytecode) into instructions that the underlying operating system and hardware can understand. This ingenious design is what allows Java applications to boast the "Write Once, Run Anywhere" (WORA) capability, meaning a program can be developed on one system and executed on any other Java-enabled system without modification.
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Find a path to becoming a JVM. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected five books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
JVM.
This is the definitive reference for the Java Virtual Machine. It's a very technical book that provides a complete specification of the JVM. is best read after understanding the basics of how Java code is executed by the JVM.
Provides a comprehensive overview of concurrency in Java. It covers the basics of concurrency, as well as more advanced topics such as thread synchronization and deadlock avoidance.
Provides a practical guide to tuning the JVM for performance. It covers a wide range of topics, including garbage collection, memory management, and thread performance.
Classic that provides a deep dive into Java performance tuning. It's very technical and dives into the JVM internals in detail. This book is best read after understanding the basics of how Java code is executed by the JVM.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Java programming, including a section on the JVM. It's a good choice for those who want to learn about the JVM in the context of learning Java programming.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/3uxse6/jv