Computer system with multiple heaps and heap reset facility

摘要

A computer system is used to run one or more programs. It includes a memory having at least a first heap and a second heap in which objects are stored, with a first object being stored on the first heap. A write barrier is provided for detecting that said the first object has been updated by a program to include a first reference to a memory location in the second heap. The write barrier outputs a cross-heap event specifying information about the first reference and the current state of said program. The system further includes a reset facility for the second heap whereby all objects stored within the second heap are deleted. As part of the reset, if a reference from the first heap to the second heap is detected, a reset event is fired specifying information about the second reference. The information in the reset event can be combined with the information in the cross-heap event to determine if the first reference matches the second reference.