Methods and apparatus for dynamically deoptimizing a frame in a control stack during the execution of a computer program are disclosed. The described methods are particularly suitable for use in computer systems that are arranged to execute both interpreted and compiled byte codes. According to one aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for deoptimizing a compiled method includes creating a data structure. The data structure, which is separate from the control stack, is arranged to store information relating to the compiled method. A reference indicator, such as a pointer, is created to associate the data structure with the frame. The method, which is compiled to a first state of optimization, is then deoptimized to a second state of optimization, and the method in the first state of optimization may be discarded, thereby deoptimizing the frame. When control returns to the deoptimized frame, a migration routine creates at least one new stack frame, and execution may continue using the method in the second state of optimization.