1. A class loading method for loading a plurality of classes, the method comprising: performing a hierarchical class loading process wherein single classes of the plurality of classes are loaded in each of one or more traversals of a code source; detecting a bulk loading trigger activity; performing a bulk class loading process for bulk loading two or more classes of the plurality of classes in response to detecting said bulk loading trigger activity, wherein the two or more classes are loaded in a single traversal of the code source; and executing a program associated with classes loaded by said bulk class loading process and said hierarchical class loading process.