Understanding the G1 Garbage Collector – Java 9

Oracle's Java 9 Hotspot VM features the Garbage First (G1) Garbage Collector as its default, a system renowned for efficiently handling large heaps with minimal pause times. Introduced in Java 7, the G1 GC works by dividing the heap into numerous small regions, allowing it to collect memory more selectively and concurrently, without completely halting application threads. This contrasts with traditional garbage collectors that classify heaps into young and old generations, requiring more comprehensive sweeps. G1's approach enables it to outperform other collectors in managing large heaps by focusing on regions filled with garbage, thus minimizing workload. However, the G1 GC underperforms when dealing with smaller heaps, where it might trigger "Full GC" cycles if the available heap is insufficient. Despite its innovative design, G1 is not a real-time collector but offers better pause time management than its predecessors. The system's configurability allows it to limit maximum pause times, a feature not feasible with older, more rigid garbage collectors.

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