A method and system for providing an efficient and convenient mechanism for class loading is presented. A present system and method virtual machine includes a bulk class loading component, normal class loader and execution engine. The bulk class loading component performs bulk loading of classes in a single pass of respective code sources. The normal class loader performs normal class loading activities, including normal class hierarchy tree searches and single class loading with multiple search traversals. In one embodiment, a bulk class identification component identifies classes for bulk loading. Classes can be identified for bulk class loading based upon designated characteristics or attributes. For example, a designated characteristic can include a class that is loaded between two points in time (e.g., from startup to a predetermined time after startup). The designated characteristic can be a relationship to other classes, including dependency relationships to classes identified for bulk loading based upon other criteria.