A dynamically configurable, multi-language execution platform

Abstract

Writing efficient applications is difficult for two reasons. A given problem domain often demands a particular programming language and execution environment. Together these provide a "paradigm" in which the programmer can concentrate on the problem rather than the implementation. Secondly, most operating systems have a rigid architecture. Adapting them to the needs of modern applications, such as cooperative work, embedded systems, and multimedia, requires ad-hoc solutions, increasing development costs and reducing both reliability and efficiency. We present a multi-language, hardware independent, execution platform, that is dynamically extensible and adaptable to each application's needs. An application is associated with a virtual machine decription, that allows to translate the application into a language neutral internal representation. The novel virtual machine architecture described in this paper allows programs written in an arbitrary bytecoded language to be executed safely and efficiently. Its single execution model provides interoperability, and effectively promotes reuse of existing software modules. 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n Applications are becoming larger, clumsier, and buggier. Notable examples are Netscape and Microsoft Office, which contain their own implementat ions of typical operat ing-system services: distribution, QoS, security, and so on. Such services belong in the operat ing system. "Also with the LIP6, Paris.