A method to just-in-time (JIT) compile Java software methods, the method having the steps of: initializing a first counter for a first software method to a first value, the first value being adjusted each time the first software method is invoked; initializing a second counter for a second software method to a second value, the second value being different from the first value, and the second value being adjusted each time the second software method is invoked; responsive to a determination that the first value exceeds a particular value, JIT compiling the first software method; responsive to a determination that the second value exceeds the particular value, JIT compiling the second software method.