System and method for use with garbage collected languages for enabling the allocated heap memory to be updated at runtime

A computer-implemented method for use with garbage collected languages on a computing device which includes a processor, a virtual machine, and a heap having an initial allocated memory area divided into a plurality of subsections each having an initial memory chunk for storage of software application bytecode, the method comprising:

• providing an extension point in each said initial memory chunk and providing a plurality of extension points in at least one said initial memory chunk of at least one subsection of said plurality of subsections, wherein each extension point includes a trailing pointer that is configured to be modified in response to receiving a request to increase a size of that subsection;
• and
• receiving a request to increase the size of a particular subsection of said plurality of subsections;
• modifying the trailing pointer of the extension point associated with the initial memory chunk of said particular subsection to add an additional memory chunk external to the initial allocated memory area of the heap;
• thereby extending said particular subsection to include said initial memory chunk and said additional memory chunk;
• and
• thereby also extending the heap to a memory area larger than the initial allocated memory area.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium, including instructions stored thereon, for use with garbage collected languages on a computing device which includes a processor, a virtual machine, and a heap having an initial allocated memory area divided into a plurality of subsections each having an initial memory chunk for storage of software application bytecode, which instructions, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform steps comprising:

• providing an extension point in each said initial memory chunk and providing a plurality of extension points in an initial memory chunk of at least one subsection of said plurality of subsections, wherein each extension point includes a trailing pointer that is configured to be modified in response to receiving a request to increase a size of that subsection;
• and
• receiving a request to increase the size of a particular subsection of said plurality of subsections;
• modifying the trailing pointer of the extension point associated with the initial memory chunk of said particular subsection to add an additional memory chunk external to the initial allocated memory area of the heap;
• thereby extending said particular subsection to include said initial memory chunk and said additional memory chunk;
• and
• thereby also extending the heap to a memory area larger than the initial allocated memory area.

A computer-implemented method for use with garbage collected languages on a computing device which includes a processor, a virtual machine, and a heap having an initial allocated memory area divided into a plurality of subsections each having an initial memory chunk for storage of software application bytecode, the method comprising:

• providing an extension point in each said initial memory chunk wherein each extension point includes a trailing pointer that is configured to be modified in response to receiving a request to increase a size of that subsection, and wherein the plurality of subsections includes an eden space and a tenured space, and wherein each of the eden space and the tenured space includes an initial memory chunk which is provided with an extension point;
• and
• receiving a request to increase the size of a particular subsection of said plurality of subsections;
• modifying the trailing pointer of the extension point associated with the initial memory chunk of said particular subsection to add an additional memory chunk external to the initial allocated memory area of the heap;
• thereby extending said particular subsection to include said initial memory chunk and said additional memory chunk;
• and
• thereby also extending the heap to a memory area larger than the initial allocated memory area.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium, including instructions stored thereon, for use with garbage collected languages on a computing device which includes a processor, a virtual machine, and a heap having an initial allocated memory area divided into a plurality of subsections each having an initial memory chunk for storage of software application bytecode, which instructions, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform steps comprising:

• providing an extension point in each said initial memory chunk wherein each extension point includes a trailing pointer that is configured to be modified in response to receiving a request to increase a size of that subsection, and wherein the plurality of subsections includes an eden space and a tenured space, and wherein each of the eden space and the tenured space includes an initial memory chunk which is provided with an extension point;
• and
• receiving a request to increase the size of a particular subsection of said plurality of subsections;
• modifying the trailing pointer of the extension point associated with the initial memory chunk of said particular subsection to add an additional memory chunk external to the initial allocated memory area of the heap;
• thereby extending said particular subsection to include said initial memory chunk and said additional memory chunk;
• and
• thereby also extending the heap to a memory area larger than the initial allocated memory area.