Improved techniques for determining Java hashcode values for Java objects are disclosed. The techniques can be implemented to use a new Java Bytecode instruction which is suitable for execution by a Java virtual machine. As such, the new Java Bytecode instruction can be executed to determine Java hashcode value. Moreover, as will be appreciated, the Java hashcode values can be determined without invoking the Java method which is conventionally used to determine hashcode values. This means that the costly overhead associated with repeatedly invoking Java methods is avoided. In other words, operations that are conventionally performed each time this method is invoked need not be performed. As a result, the performance of virtual machines, especially those operating with limited resources (e.g., embedded systems), can be improved.