The JVM has a full specification: https://docs.oracle.com/javase/specs/jvms/se8/html/ https://docs.oracle.com/javase/specs/jvms/se8/html/ The specification is

The JVM has a full specification: https://docs.oracle.com/javase/specs/jvms/se8/html/ https://docs.oracle.com/javase/specs/jvms/se8/html/ The specification is dense but still readable. I'd start reading in order, up through the third chapter which explains how to compile various Java snippets to bytecode. Perhaps start there and go back to the second chapter when you need more context. I've also found this old but still relevant book to be a good guide: http://www.artima.com/insidejvm/ed2/ http://www.artima.com/insidejvm/ed2/