If you’re new to GraalVM Enterprise, it is a high-performance JDK that can speed up the performance of Java and JVM-based applications during run-time or when deploying Java to the cloud. You can read more about this in the whitepaper to learn about the features that come with this technology. I’m a visual learner and prefer learning from a graphical explanation of this complex topic. So I found this infographic of the “anatomy of GraalVM Enterprise” on oracle.com/graalvm. If you are starting to look for ways to improve Java deployment in the cloud, you may want to see this.
Essentially, it explains the two most important features of how the GraalVM compiler can be used. You can compile Java bytecode just-in-time (JIT) or use the Native Image feature with the same GraalVM compiler to generate more efficient and smaller code ahead-of-time (AOT).
In JIT-mode, the GraalVM compiler uses advanced optimizations to boost the peak performance of long-running applications. For applications tested on the Renaissance Benchmark, the performance improves up to an average of 50% depending on the workload.
By using GraalVM in the AOT mode, GraalVM generates binaries with only the classes, methods, and dependent libraries needed to run the application. Native Image generates a native executable that starts up 100x faster and uses 5x less memory than when running on a standard JVM. Native Image also works with Profile-guided-optimization (PGO) available only with the enterprise edition to achieve even more optimum. PGO brings the throughput of the native executable closer to the peak performance of JIT, making it ideal for running workloads in cloud use-cases.
Download GraalVM Enterprise and try it. GraalVM Enterprise is an entitlement with the Java SE Subscription at no additional cost. When developing and deploying Java on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, use GraalVM Enterprise without additional cost.