Program counter

Our focus sharpens on the PC within the JVM, a crucial component intricately tied to the execution flow. Unique for each thread, the PC serves as a guidepost, carrying essential information about the ongoing instruction execution. Join us as we delve into the nuances of the PC, unraveling its role in managing program flow, and understanding its significance in both native and non-native method executions.

The PC is a specialized register that’s created for every thread within the JVM. It carries crucial data, primarily as a pointer and a return address. This dynamic duo holds the key to understanding the ongoing execution state of the thread. The pointer directs the thread to the next instruction to be executed, while the return address ensures a seamless return to the previous execution point after method completion.

Distinguishing native and non-native methods is crucial in understanding the PC’s behavior. The PC’s value is clearly defined...