Space-efficient object models for object-oriented programming languages
AssigneeIBM Corporation
InventorsDavid F. Bacon, Stephen J. Fink, David P. Grove
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for implementing an object model for an object-oriented programming language. Also contemplated is a method whereby some object state is materialized directly in those objects deemed likely to use such a state, but is externalized for those objects deemed unlikely to use the state.
Claims25
A method of implementing an object model in an implementation of an object-oriented programming language, said method comprising the steps of:
- predicting a set of objects that will use an object-specific instance of a given state during the lifetime of each object;
- for each object predicted to use an object-specific instance of the given state, materializing a representation of the object-specific instance of the given state in a storage representation of the object;
- providing an auxiliary data structure;
- and
- for each object not predicted to use an object-specific instance of the given state:
- upon the first attempted use of its object-specific instance of the given state, materializing the object-specific instance of the given state in the auxiliary data structure.
An apparatus which implements an object model in an implementation of an object-oriented programming language, said apparatus comprising:
- a predictor which predicts a set of objects that will use an object-specific instance of a given state during the lifetime of each object;
- a first materializer which, for each object predicted to use an object-specific instance of the given state, materializes a representation of the object-specific instance of the given state in a storage representation of the object;
- an auxiliary data structure;
- and
- a second materializer which, for each object not predicted to use an object-specific instance of the given state:
- upon the first attempted use of its object-specific instance of the given state, materializes the object-specific instance of the given state in the auxiliary data structure.
A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for implementing an object model in an implementation of an object-oriented programming language, said method comprising the steps of:
- predicting a set of objects that will use an object-specific instance of a given state during the lifetime of each object;
- for each object predicted to use an object-specific instance of the given state, materializing a representation of the object-specific instance of the given state in a storage representation of the object;
- providing an auxiliary data structure;
- and
- for each object not predicted to use an object-specific instance of the given state:
- upon the first attempted use of its object-specific instance of the given state, materializing the object-specific instance of the given state in the auxiliary data structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.