Runtime Code Snippet Insertion for Java Performance Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for modifying computer programs during runtime are resource-intensive and inefficient, particularly in Java environments, as they require significant development, testing, and maintenance resources, and often result in performance overhead and unexpected side effects due to bytecode instrumentation or Java Reflection.

Innovation Solution

A method for specifying and compiling before-compiled code snippets, which are then inserted into compiled code blocks at specified locations during runtime, allowing for the addition of functionality to running applications without the need for extensive code modifications or the use of Java Reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If bytecode instrumentation is used to capture performance data, then data capture capability is improved, but development complexity and maintenance resources increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance data capture capabilityVSAvoiddevelopment and maintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (the probe with code snippet insertion capability) that mediates between the application and the data capture mechanism. Instead of directly instrumenting bytecode, the system uses an intermediate probe that can dynamically insert and execute code snippets at runtime, simplifying the development process while maintaining data capture precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the probe to automatically compile and insert code snippets without requiring extensive manual bytecode instrumentation. The probe itself manages the code insertion and execution, reducing the burden on developers and simplifying maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If Java Reflection API is used to modify runtime behavior, then adaptability is improved, but runtime performance overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveruntime behavior modification capabilityVSAvoidruntime performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by compiling code snippets before runtime execution. The snippets are pre-compiled into bytecode format, so that during runtime, only the pre-compiled code needs to be inserted and executed, avoiding the performance overhead of compiling or interpreting code at runtime while maintaining the adaptability of dynamic modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical reflection-based approach with a more efficient mechanism. Instead of using Java Reflection API which involves dynamic type resolution and cannot benefit from JVM optimizations, the patent uses direct bytecode insertion and execution, which can be optimized by the JVM compiler and eliminates reflection overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If reflection is used to access private fields and methods, then code versatility is improved, but system reliability decreases due to unexpected side effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to private members capabilityVSAvoidsystem stability and portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The probe acts as an intermediary that safely accesses private fields and methods through controlled bytecode insertion. The inserted code snippets operate within the application's security context and type system, avoiding the unpredictable behavior of reflection while maintaining the ability to access private members when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the approach from using reflection parameters (which have side effects and break abstractions) to using compiled bytecode parameters. By transforming the high-level reflection calls into low-level bytecode operations, the system eliminates the unwanted side effects while preserving the functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of information

If extensive bytecode instrumentation is implemented, then data capture completeness is improved, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental factor detection completenessVSAvoiddevelopment and testing resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The probe performs self-service by automatically managing the insertion and execution of code snippets without requiring extensive manual instrumentation. The system can dynamically add data capture points as needed, reducing the overall resource investment in development and testing while maintaining comprehensive environmental monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8359582B2Compiling and inserting code snippets at runtime

Publication Date: 2013.01.22 MICRO FOCUS LLC

AI summary

Method, computer readable medium, and system for specifying before-compiled code, compiling the before-compiled code into a compiled code snippet, specifying an insertion point in a compiled code block of a computer program, and inserting the compiled code snippet into the compiled code block at the specified insertion point while the computer program is running.