Java FAQ: Top Questions
60. What is the Metaspace in Java?
Metaspace , introduced in Java 8, is a JVM memory region replacing PermGen, storing class metadata, such as class definitions and method data.
- Native Memory: Allocated outside the Java heap, managed by the OS.
-
Dynamic Sizing:
Grows or shrinks automatically, controlled by
-XX:MaxMetaspaceSize. - Garbage Collection: Unloads unused classes during GC if space is needed.
- Use Case: Manages memory for dynamically loaded classes.
- OutOfMemoryError: Occurs if Metaspace is exhausted (e.g., excessive class loading).