file format, software A
binary file containing an
pairs.
Byte-code op codes are most often fixed size binary patterns,
but can be variable size. The data portion consists of zero
or more
bits, the format of the data portion may be
determined by the identifier. The data is most often variable
in size.
In some cases, by clever design, (e.g. some
RISCThis can provide performance benefits.
A byte-code program is normally interpreted by a
byte-codeinterpreter. The advantage of this technique compared with
the same byte-code can be executed on any processor on which
the byte-code interpreter runs. The byte-code may be compiled
to machine code ("native code") for speed of execution but
this usually requires significantly greater effort for each
new taraget architecture than simply porting the interpreter.
For example,
Java is compiled to byte-code which runs on the
(1998-08-30)