1. A system for a runtime machine executing an FP program comprising: a first processor for implementing said runtime machine; a heap memory for storing a heap for use by said first processor; a first heap memory bus coupled to said first processor and said heap memory for providing access to said heap by said runtime machine; a second processor for executing a garbage collector; and a second heap memory bus coupled to said second processor and said heap memory for providing access to said heap by said garbage collector, wherein access by said first processor to said heap is uninterrupted by said access by said second processor to said heap.