Method and apparatus for handling asynchronous exceptions in a dynamic translation system

A dynamic translation system comprising:

• means for translating input code into output code and for outputting the output code from the means for translating;
• means for storing output code output from the translating means;
• means for controlling the operation of the dynamic translation system, the controlling means comprising means for determining when an exception has occurred;
• and
• means for executing the output code and for determining when a point is reached in the output code at which application state is recoverable, the executing means receiving a notification from the controlling means that an exception has occurred, wherein when the executing means receives the notification, the executing means begins executing the output code, wherein when the executing means determines that said point has been reached, the executing means provides an indication to the controlling means, wherein when the controlling means receives said indication, the controlling means transfers control to an exception handler.

A method for dynamically translating input code into output code, the method comprising the steps of:

• translating input code into output code;
• storing the output code in a memory element;
• detecting when an exception has occurred;
• when the occurrence of an exception is detected, executing the translated input code one instruction at a time;
• during the execution of the translated input code, determining when a point is reached in the translated input code at which application state is recoverable;
• and
• when an exception has occurred and said point has been reached, transferring control to an exception handler.