Methods and apparatus for memory allocation for object instances in an object-oriented software environment

A method for allocating blocks of memory in an object oriented software system, said method comprising the steps of:

• generating an object factory class, for an object class, to instantiate instances of objects from said object class;
• receiving a request to generate an instance of said object class at said object factory;
• generating, from said object factory class, an object instance pool for an object class, wherein said object instance pool comprises a plurality of entries such that each entry is associated with a memory block configured to store an object instance for said object class;
• allocating, from an entry of said object instance pool, a memory block to instantiate said object instance if one of said memory blocks are available for allocation from an entry of said object instance pool;
• and
• re-assigning memory blocks from object instances of said object class into an entry of said object instance pool when said object instances are no longer required in said object oriented software system.

A computer readable medium comprising a set of instructions stored therein, which when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the steps of::

• generating an object instance pool for an object class, wherein said object instance pool comprises a plurality of entries such that each entry is associated with a memory block configured to store an object instance for said object class;
• allocating, from an entry of said object instance pool, a memory block when an object instance is instantiated from said object class if one of said memory blocks are available for allocation from an entry of said object instance pool;
• and
• re-assigning memory blocks from object instances of said object class into an entry of said object instance pool when said object instances are no longer required in said object oriented software system.