Abstract: An incremental byte code compiler which provides a high-performance execution environment for dynamically linked languages and for distributed target-independent applications. The execution environment provided by the present invention includes an incremental byte code compiler for generating IL symbols and code objects from a byte code source file, a persistent symbol table for storing the IL symbols and code objects, and an incremental imager for dynamically forming the image of the program from the code objects. The present invention further provides an extremely efficient methodology for dynamically adding program elements to a program under execution.

Abstract: An interactive program development system which replaces compilers, linkers and debuggers required for conventional software development. The present invention comprises a new program compilation system for producing a novel type of translated structure called a code object, and an Incremental Image which forms the program image from code objects and their respective intermediate language symbols stored in a persistent symbol table. The new program compilation system operates on conventional computers having a CPU, monitor, memory system and input devices. The present invention obviates the need to halt execution of a program under development or during maintenance update to correct programming errors.