Concurrent Compaction in JVM Garbage Collection

Abstract

This paper provides a brief overview of both garbage collection (GC) of memory and parallel processing. We then cover how parallel processing applies to GC. Specically, these concepts are focused within the context of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). With that foundation, we look at various algorithms that perform compaction of fragmented memory during the GC process. These algorithms are designed to run concurrent to the application running. Such concurrently compacting GC behavior stems from a desire to reduce \stop-the-world" pauses of an application.