CODEWITHSUNDEEP
javajvm
codingenious
codingenious

Reputation: 8653

Why does Permgen OutOfMemeoryError occurs?

Till today, I knew permgen space has some limit and when this limit is exhausted, OutOfMemoryError comes, and I think this is correct because I have seen OutOfMemoryError Permgen space.

But Inside the Java Virtual Machine quotes,

The size of the method area need not be fixed. As the Java application runs, the virtual machine can expand and contract the method area to fit the application's needs.

So, when JVM can expand, why the error comes? Is there any limit for expansion?

Upvotes: 3

Views: 114

Answers (1)

Santosh
Santosh

Reputation: 17923

The Method Area is part of larger PermGen or Non-Heap memory area. The PermSize setting fixes the maximum memory the the PermGen can use. Since Method Area is a subpart of PermGen, it can expand as needed as long as the overall PermGen size remains withing specified limit.

The moment, PermGen space requirement goes beyond the specified limit, (say because of expanding Method Area), OutOfMemoryError is thrown.

Upvotes: 3

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