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You're reading from  Mastering the Java Virtual Machine

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Published inFeb 2024
PublisherPackt
ISBN-139781835467961
Edition1st Edition
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Author (1)
Otavio Santana
Otavio Santana
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Otavio Santana

Otavio is a passionate architect and software engineer focused on cloud and Java technologies. He has deep expertise in polyglot persistence and high-performance applications in finance, social media, and e-commerce. As a global speaker, he has presented at the most significant international conferences, such as JavaOne, TDC, and Devoxx. He volunteers and helps organize several Java User Groups and meetups around the globe. Otavio is recognized for his Open Source contributions and has received many awards, including all JCP Awards categories and the Duke's Choice Award, to name a few. Otavio is also a distinguished member of the Java Champions and Oracle ACE programs. Otavio loves history, economy, traveling, programming, and real-world languages. He speaks Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, and French and is fluent in dad jokes.
Read more about Otavio Santana

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The JVM Ecosystem and Alternative JVMs

The JVM is the cornerstone of Java’s write once, run anywhere philosophy, enabling the execution of Java bytecode on diverse platforms. While the HotSpot JVM has long been the stalwart choice, the expansive JVM ecosystem extends far beyond, offering alternative implementations that cater to specific needs and performance considerations. In this chapter, we’ll explore the JVM landscape comprehensively, delving into alternative JVMs such as OpenJ9 and Correto. As we unravel their nuances, you will gain valuable insights into the diverse options available, each with unique features, optimizations, and trade-offs.

Our journey commences with an in-depth overview of these alternative JVMs, shedding light on their architectures and critical differentiators. Subsequent sections delve into the performance characteristics and benchmarks that distinguish these implementations, providing a nuanced understanding of how alternative JVMs stack...

The diversity of the JVM

A captivating exploration of the JVM and its remarkable tapestry is interwoven within the programming world. While Java often takes center stage, the JVM’s true prowess lies in its versatility, extending far beyond a mere executor of Java bytecode. Contrary to popular belief, the JVM is not a monolithic entity but a testament to diversity, accommodating a rich ecosystem of alternative implementations and vendors. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the manifold facets of the JVM that make it an unparalleled force in software development.

Despite being the bedrock of Java, the JVM is not confined to a single language. Its extensibility has paved the way for many programming languages to flourish under its aegis. From Kotlin and Scala to Groovy and Clojure, the JVM acts as a unifying platform that fosters an environment where developers can seamlessly harness the power of different languages. Moreover, the landscape of JVM distributors is a...

Eclipse J9

In this dedicated section, we’ll delve into the capabilities of Eclipse J9, a JVM implementation that stands out for its emphasis on efficiency, scalability, and resource optimization. As we navigate the intricacies of Eclipse J9, we’ll uncover the unique features that set it apart in the vast landscape of JVM implementations and explore why developers should consider this powerhouse for their Java applications.

Eclipse J9, developed by the Eclipse Foundation, represents a cutting-edge JVM implementation that’s designed to maximize efficiency and minimize resource footprint. Known for its compact size and swift startup times, Eclipse J9 excels in critical resource utilization scenarios, making it a prime candidate for cloud-based applications, microservices, and other environments where responsiveness is paramount. Its architecture incorporates advanced JIT compilation techniques and aggressive memory management, contributing to a nimble and responsive...

Amazon Corretto

In this section, we’ll embark on an insightful journey into Amazon Corretto, a JVM implementation crafted by Amazon that combines reliability, performance, and LTS. As we navigate the nuances of Amazon Corretto, we’ll explore its unique features, performance optimizations, and compelling reasons developers should consider integrating this JVM implementation into their Java applications.

Amazon Corretto represents Amazon’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, open source JVM that meets the demands of modern Java development. Built on the solid foundation of OpenJDK (Java Development Kit), Corretto is designed to provide a reliable and secure Java runtime environment. Amazon Corretto is free to use and comes with LTS, making it an attractive choice for enterprises looking for a stable and dependable JVM.

In navigating the intricacies of JVM implementations, Amazon Corretto emerges as a beacon of reliability, performance, and sustained support...

Azul Zulu and Zing

In this section, we’ll delve into the dynamic realm of Azul Zulu Builds of OpenJDK (Azul Zulu), a JVM implementation that is a pivotal part of Azul’s comprehensive offerings in the Java runtime space. Azul, renowned for its commitment to providing JVM runtimes and additional tools to enhance Java performance while reducing costs, brings Azul Zulu to the forefront. As a TCK-certified build of OpenJDK, Azul Zulu aligns with the performance standards of most distributors as they all base their builds on the OpenJDK project. Azul’s active participation in monitoring and resolving CVE security issues sets it apart, allowing it to adhere to a 3-month release cycle. It enables Azul to provide free and commercial builds of all supported versions with timely security fixes, ensuring the safe operation of Java applications in production environments.

Furthermore, Azul Zulu’s distinction lies in its groundbreaking contributions to the OpenJDK...

IBM Semeru

In this section, we’ll explore IBM Semeru, a JVM implementation that encapsulates the expertise and innovation of IBM in the realm of Java development. As we navigate the intricacies of IBM Semeru, we will unravel its distinctive features, optimizations, and compelling reasons developers should consider integrating this JVM implementation into their Java applications.

IBM Semeru, based on the OpenJ9 JVM, represents IBM’s commitment to delivering a high-performance, scalable, and efficient Java runtime environment. With a focus on resource efficiency, rapid startup times, and advanced optimizations, IBM Semeru is designed to cater to various application scenarios.

IBM Semeru emerges as a beacon of innovation in Java development, encapsulating a spectrum of benefits that redefine the possibilities of efficient and scalable runtime environments. Anchored by the robust OpenJ9 virtual machine, Semeru introduces a harmonious blend of resource efficiency and...

Eclipse Temurin

In this section, we’ll explore Eclipse Temurin, a robust and versatile JVM implementation that stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts within the Eclipse community. As we navigate the intricacies of Eclipse Temurin, we will uncover its distinctive features, optimizations, and compelling reasons why developers should consider embracing this JVM implementation for their Java applications.

Eclipse Temurin, formerly AdoptOpenJDK, is a community-driven, open source project that provides free, high-quality, and production-ready builds of the OpenJDK. Fueled by a commitment to transparency and collaboration, Eclipse Temurin ensures that developers can access a reliable and well-supported Java runtime environment.

Eclipse Temurin emerges as a beacon of reliability and versatility in the Java development landscape, offering a rich tapestry of benefits that resonate with the needs of modern developers. With a commitment to timely updates and security patches...

Even more JVM vendors and SDKMan

In this section, we’ll embark on a fascinating exploration of the expansive diversity within the JVM ecosystem. Our focus will extend beyond individual JVM implementations, encompassing a spectrum of specialized builds tailored for distinct use cases and environments. Join us as we delve into the nuances of Dragonwell, Tencent Kona, Liberica, Mandrel, the Microsoft Build of OpenJDK, and SapMachine – each representing a unique facet of JVM diversity, optimized to cater to specific demands and scenarios.

We’ll be embarking on a captivating journey into the multifaceted world of JVM diversity, where a kaleidoscope of specialized builds awaits exploration. Each JVM implementation represents a distinctive approach to addressing unique challenges in application development. From extreme scaling demands to cloud computing, big data, and SAP-supported ecosystems, each JVM is meticulously crafted to meet specific use cases. Join us as...

Summary

As we conclude our exploration of the intricate world of JVM diversity and the instrumental role of SDKMAN, you have gained a profound understanding of alternative JVMs, including Alibaba’s Dragonwell, Tencent Kona, Liberica, Mandrel, the Microsoft Build of OpenJDK, and SapMachine. This chapter not only shed light on the unique characteristics of these implementations, catering to diverse use cases, but also emphasized the pivotal role of SDKMAN in simplifying JVM management. The insights garnered set the stage for the upcoming chapter, where you will delve into the fundamental principles shaping Java frameworks. From design patterns to modularity, these principles are essential for creating robust, scalable, and maintainable applications. The practical utility of the information provided in this chapter will become evident, equipping you with the knowledge needed to navigate the dynamic Java development landscape. As we transition into Java framework principles, the...

Questions

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

  1. What is the primary focus of Alibaba’s Dragonwell JVM implementation?
    1. Cloud computing
    2. Online eCommerce and financial and logistics applications
    3. Big data
    4. Microservices
  2. Which JVM implementation is Tencent’s default JDK for cloud computing and big data?
    1. Amazon Corretto
    2. Tencent Kona
    3. Eclipse Temurin
    4. Azul Zulu
  3. What is the primary focus of the Mandrel JVM implementation?
    1. High-performance computing
    2. Running applications on containers
    3. Native image generation for Quarkus applications
    4. Cloud-native application development
  4. What is one of the key benefits of Eclipse Temurin (formerly AdoptOpenJDK)?
    1. Closed source development
    2. Timely updates and security patches
    3. Limited platform support
    4. Exclusive focus on cloud environments
  5. How does SDKMAN simplify JVM management for developers?
    1. By limiting the number of JVM vendors available
    2. By restricting the use of different JVM versions
    3. By seamlessly integrating with...

Answers

Here are the answers to this chapter’s questions:

  1. B. Online eCommerce and financial and logistics applications
  2. B. Tencent Kona
  3. C. Native image generation for Quarkus applications
  4. B. Timely updates and security patches
  5. C. By seamlessly integrating with build tools
  6. B. Azul Zing is based on OpenJDK
  7. A. C4 Garbage Collector
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Author (1)

author image
Otavio Santana

Otavio is a passionate architect and software engineer focused on cloud and Java technologies. He has deep expertise in polyglot persistence and high-performance applications in finance, social media, and e-commerce. As a global speaker, he has presented at the most significant international conferences, such as JavaOne, TDC, and Devoxx. He volunteers and helps organize several Java User Groups and meetups around the globe. Otavio is recognized for his Open Source contributions and has received many awards, including all JCP Awards categories and the Duke's Choice Award, to name a few. Otavio is also a distinguished member of the Java Champions and Oracle ACE programs. Otavio loves history, economy, traveling, programming, and real-world languages. He speaks Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, and French and is fluent in dad jokes.
Read more about Otavio Santana