Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharing data structures among multiple processes by using STL (Standard Template Library) objects in a shared memory segment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products for sharing a user STL object among processes. A shared memory segment is created. A system STL (Standard Template Library) map is anchored in the shared memory segment. A user STL object is received. An address is obtained for the user STL object by requesting storage from an allocator allocating memory from the shared memory segment to store at least one node of the user STL object and data added to the user STL object. The user STL object is inserted into the system STL map. Garbage collection is performed using the allocator, a first map containing a first set of nodes denoting sizes and addresses of a plurality of free blocks, and a second map containing a second set of nodes representing the addresses of and the pointers to the plurality of free blocks in the first map.