Method and apparatus for creating string objects in a programming language

A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for implementing a string object defined in a programming language, the method comprising:

• receiving characters to be embedded in the string object;
• allocating a space for the string object, wherein the space includes a header which is appended to a character array of the string object;
• copying the characters into the character array of the string object;
• and
• initializing the header by initializing a class pointer in the header to point to a class for the string object, and by initializing a length field in the header to specify a length for the string object;
• whereby the string object remains compatible with previous implementations of the string object that use a character array that is separate from the string object.

An apparatus for implementing a string object defined in a programming language, comprising:

• a receiving mechanism configured to receive characters to be embedded in the string object;
• an allocating mechanism configured to a allocate a space for the string object, wherein the space includes a header which is appended to a character array of the string object;
• a copying mechanism configured to copy the characters into the character array of the string object;
• and
• an initializing mechanism configured to initialize the header by initializing a class pointer in the header to point to a class for the string object, and by initializing a length field in the header to specify a length for the string object;
• whereby the string object remains compatible with previous implementations of the string object that use a character array that is separate from the string object.