Systems and methods for minimizing the effects of garbage collection

摘要

Apparent performance delays in a computer application are reduced by scheduling garbage collection during periods when a user cannot modify program data within the application. Garbage collection may be initiated in response to detecting a user interface event that prevents user modification of program data being processed by the computer application. Systems and methods herein reduce the appearance of performance delays associated with garbage collection.

主权项

1. A method of scheduling garbage collection for a computer application comprising:
detecting a user interface event by a computer running the computer application; determining by the computer whether the user interface event prevents user modification of program data being processed by the computer application, wherein the user interface event, when executed, causes the computer application to execute a function associated with an animation that lasts a performance time longer than a predetermined threshold; in response to determining that the user interface event prevents user modification of the program data being processed by the computer application, initiating garbage collection by the computer, wherein the garbage collection process is masked by the user interface event so there is no noticeable pause to the user; scaling the performance time of the animation to last at least an expected time duration of a garbage collection process, wherein scaling the performance time of the animation increases a time duration of the animation; detecting a second user interface event that reenables user modification of the program data; and in response to detecting the second event, interrupting the garbage collection.