How does the Java Virtual Machine deal with constants

Question

So I compiled this code and decompiled it into bytecode:

System.out.println("hi");

compiles to:

getstatic
ldc
invokevirtual

From what I can see here, the literal value "hi" isn't explicitly stored in any bytecode format, so does a .class file also contain a hidden representaion of a stack for that program. For example when I compiled that program would the .class file contain that bytecode, and a heap data structure containing the literal value "hi". And more generally, does a .class file contain more than just bytecode (e.g. a representation of the heap, stack and registers). thanks!

You said `getstatic`, but you forgot to include `indexbyte`s, which will point to the constants table. `javap -p` is your friend here. — chrylis -cautiouslyoptimistic-, Mar 22 '19 at 19:45
Rest assured: gender doesn't play any role regarding the efficiency of doing your own research vs consuming explanations from others. — GhostCat, Mar 23 '19 at 04:52

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 22 '19 at 20:08

Constants are stored in seperate parts of class files than bytecode, called Constant Pools. You can find more information about them here: What is the purpose of the Java Constant Pool?

The class file format is publicly available in Java Virtual Machine Specification

How does the Java Virtual Machine deal with constants

1 Answers1