A method for improving the effectiveness of a data processing application when using a virtual machine, wherein the program includes a large number of methods, i.e. program sections, that are stored in the memory of the computer used, and wherein the program uses a garbage collecting procedure. The invention is characterized by analysing in a first step all so called thread stacks with respect to the procedures required thereby; causing each of said requisite methods to be regenerated in a second step, wherein occurring references to a method prior to the regeneration are replaced with references to regenerated methods; and by erasing all non-regenerated methods in a third step and placing corresponding memory space at the disposal of the program.