Incremental collection of mature objects

Abstract

We present a garbage collection algorithm that extends generational scavenging to collect large older generations (mature objects) non-disruptively. The algorithm’s approach is to process bounded-size pieces of mature object space at each collection; the subtleties lie in guaranteeing that it eventually collects any and all garbage. The algorithm does not assume any special hardware or operating system support, e.g., for forwarding pointers or protection traps. The algorithm copies objects, so it naturally supports compaction and reclustering.