Abstract: A method and apparatus for speeding the startup of applications by making available a pre-translated class file to the class loaders. The Java virtual machine (JVM) starts faster if application class loaders can use the pre-translated class files or internal representations instead of fetching classes from Java archive files or system directories. JVM understands java executable format and can start faster by using them without the user application class loaders having to know the complexities of executable files. The Java archive file format is modified to allow the pre-translated class files to be stored in the Java archive file such that the class loaders are able to process the modified Java archive file without requiring any change to the class loader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for speeding the startup of applications by making available a pre-translated class file to the class loaders. The Java virtual machine (JVM) starts faster if application class loaders can use the pre-translated class files or internal representations instead of fetching classes from Java archive files or system directories. JVM understands java executable format and can start faster by using them without the user application class loaders having to know the complexities of executable files. The Java archive file format is modified to allow the pre-translated class files to be stored in the Java archive file such that the class loaders are able to process the modified Java archive file without requiring any change to the class loader.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for optimizing the mark phase of garbage collection in a JVM. A garbage collector is provided for removing unused objects, wherein the garbage collector includes: a traversing system for traversing object fields in objects obtained from a work queue, wherein the traversing system includes a leaf identifying system for determining whether object fields contain a leaf node; and a marking system for marking objects as live.