GraalVM

In the ever-evolving landscape of JVMs, GraalVM stands out as a revolutionary and versatile alternative. This chapter delves into the intricacies of GraalVM, unraveling its unique features and shedding light on its role as a game-changer in the realm of JVM internals. GraalVM, developed by Oracle Labs, transcends the traditional boundaries of a conventional JVM by providing a polyglot runtime that supports multiple languages, including Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and more. This flexibility opens up new avenues for developers, allowing them to integrate different languages within a single application seamlessly. As we navigate the pages of this chapter, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of GraalVM’s architecture, its distinctive components, and its pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of Java development.

GraalVM’s architecture is a testament not only to its engineering prowess but also to its commitment to performance and efficiency. The...

Technical requirements

For this chapter, you will require the following:

• GraalVM 21
• Git
• Maven
• Any preferred IDE
• This chapter’s GitHub repository, found at - https://github.com/PacktPublishing/Mastering-the-Java-Virtual-Machine/tree/main/chapter-07

GraalVM overview

In this enlightening section, we’ll embark on a journey through the groundbreaking landscape of GraalVM, an innovation that has redefined the expectations of a JVM. GraalVM’s rise to prominence can be attributed to its sensational features, with a special emphasis on its high-performance compiler, ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation, and prowess in managing diverse language runtimes.

At the heart of GraalVM’s exceptional performance lies its state-of-the-art JIT compiler. This compiler is meticulously engineered to optimize the execution of Java applications, pushing the boundaries of speed and efficiency. Unlike traditional JVMs, GraalVM’s JIT compiler boasts advanced techniques and optimizations, resulting in faster startup times and reduced memory footprint. Therefore, developers experience a significant boost in the overall performance of their applications, making GraalVM an invaluable tool for those striving for excellence in execution...

Native Image

Welcome to an illuminating session dedicated to GraalVM, a game-changing technology that transcends the conventional boundaries of JVMs. Developed by Oracle Labs, GraalVM emerges as a multifaceted solution, introducing revolutionary features that redefine the application development landscape. This section serves as your gateway to understanding the key facets of GraalVM, from its high-performance JIT compiler to its polyglot language runtimes and innovative AOT compilation. As we delve into GraalVM’s architecture and capabilities, you’ll gain insights into how it addresses the evolving needs of modern applications. Join us on this exploration of GraalVM, where innovation meets versatility, and discover how it empowers developers to create efficient, polyglot applications that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the Java ecosystem.

One of the most distinctive features of GraalVM is its Native Image functionality, a transformative capability...

Creating a Native Image

In this immersive and hands-on section, we delve into mastering the creation of Native Images using GraalVM. Building upon the insights gained in our comparative exploration of Native Image applications and JVM counterparts, this section is your gateway to the practical realm of application deployment efficiency. As we shift from theory to practice, our focus now centers on empowering you to wield the transformative capabilities of Native Image compilation. Prepare to embark on a journey where we demystify the AOT compilation process, offering step-by-step guidance on transforming a Java application into a standalone executable.

Throughout this section, we will delve into the intricacies of optimizing dependencies, navigating platform-specific considerations, and unleashing the full potential of Native Image deployment. Whether you’re a seasoned developer seeking to enhance application performance or an enthusiast eager to explore the cutting-edge...

Summary

In this chapter, we delved into the transformative capabilities of GraalVM, from its high-performance compiler to the creation of a Native Image. Witnessing the efficiency gains achievable through AOT compilation marked a significant milestone, showcasing GraalVM’s versatility in reshaping the Java development landscape.

As we conclude, this chapter served as a stepping stone to the broader exploration of the JVM ecosystem and alternative JVMs in the next chapter. The diverse options beyond conventional JVMs, such as OpenJ9 and Azul Zing, will be unraveled, providing insights into their unique features and contributions to the ever-evolving Java ecosystem. Join us in the next chapter as we navigate the diverse paths within the JVM landscape, informed by the knowledge we’ve gained from our exploration of GraalVM.

Questions

Answer the following questions to test your knowledge of this chapter:

1. What is the primary benefit of GraalVM’s Native Image compilation?
   1. Increased memory footprint
   2. Slower startup time
   3. Platform portability
   4. Limited language support
2. Which command is used to compile the App class in the GraalVM Native Image creation process?
   1. compile -class App
   2. javac -d build src/main/java/expert/os/App.java
   3. native-image --compile App
   4. graalvm-compile App.java
3. What is the purpose of the reverseString method in the provided Java application?
   1. Concatenates strings
   2. Reverses a given string
   3. Checks for a palindrome
   4. Removes whitespace from a string
4. How does GraalVM’s Native Image differ from JVM-based applications in terms of startup time?
   1. Native Image has a slower startup time
   2. Both have similar startup times
   3. Native Image has a faster startup time
   4. JVM-based applications have a faster startup time
5. What is SDKMan used for in the context of GraalVM installation?
   1. Managing Java versions...

Answers

Here are the answers to this chapter’s questions:

1. C. Platform portability
2. B. javac -d build src/main/java/expert/os/App.java
3. B. Reverses a given string
4. C. Native Image has a faster startup time
5. A. Managing Java versions and installations
6. B. Generates a standalone executable