System, method and apparatus of directly executing an architecture-independent binary program
AssigneeSun Microsystems, Inc.
InventorTimothy Marsland
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system, method, and apparatus is disclosed for executing an architecture-independent binary program on a computer. An object file is read, and architecture-independent object code is extracted from the object file. Dynamic dependency information is also extracted from the object file. The dependency information is provided to an interpreter, which is invoked to execute the object code. The object file is preferably in an architecture-neutral format, preferably the ELF format defined as the standard binary interface that is used by application programs on operating systems that comply with the UNIX System V Interface Definition.
Claims21
A method of executing an architecture-independent binary program on a computer, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) reading an object file containing object code;
- (b) selecting a predetermined code portion of the object file;
- (c) comparing the contents of a predetermined field within the code portion to a predetermined value to determine whether the object code is architecture-independent object code that requires interpretation;
- and
- (d) if the object code requires interpretation, invoking an interpreter to interpret the object code.
An apparatus for executing an architecture-independent binary program on a computer, comprising:
- a) at least one processor;
- b) a storage with a plurality of code segments stored thereon which are utilized by the processor to perform various functions, comprising:
- i) a first code segment which reads an object file containing object code;
- ii) a second code segment which selects a predetermined code portion of the object file;
- iii) a third code segment which compares the contents of a predetermined field within the code portion to a predetermined value and determines whether the object code is architecture-independent object code that requires interpretation;
- and
- iv) a fourth code segment which interprets the object code if the object code requires interpretation.
A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable code embodied therein for causing execution of an architecture-independent binary program on a computer, said computer program product comprising:
- a) first software that reads an object file containing object code;
- b) second software that selects a predetermined code portion of the object file;
- c) third software that compares the contents of a predetermined field within the code portion to a predetermined value to determine whether the object code is architecture-independent object code that requires interpretation;
- and
- d) fourth software that invokes an interpreter to interpret the object code if the object code requires interpretation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.