Object-reuse for more predictable real-time Java behavior

One of the problems with Java for real-time systems is the unpredictable behavior of garbage collection (GC). GC introduces unexpected load and causes undesirable delays for real-time applications. In this paper, we propose a technique that reduces and bounds the memory requirements for real-time Java programs. This technique can eliminate or reduce the need for GC and allows for a more predictable execution behavior and efficient utilization of the available memory. A theoretical model is presented and a number of benchmark tests are used to evaluate this technique in PERC, NewMonics' real-time JVM, and Sun's JVM. The results show that in some cases GC can be eliminated and an application's execution time decreases and becomes more predictable.