Java Virtual Machine

language, architecture (JVM) A specification for software

which interprets Java programs that have been compiled into

byte-codes, and usually stored in a ".class" file. The JVM

instruction set is stack-oriented, with variable

instruction length. Unlike some other instruction sets, the

JVM's supports object-oriented programming directly by

including instructions for object method invocation (similar

to subroutine call in other instruction sets).

The JVM itself is written in C and so can be ported to run

on most platforms. It needs thread support and I/O (for

dynamic class loading). The Java byte-code is independent

of the platform.

There are also some hardware implementations of the JVM.

Specification.

Sun's Java chip.

[Documentation? Versions?]

(2000-01-03)