GraalVM 25.2 is here! 🎉
But what exactly is GraalVM, and how does it differ from the JVM most Java developers already use?
🔸 TLDR
▪️ A classic JVM runs Java bytecode and optimizes it while the app runs.
▪️ GraalVM can do the same, but it can also compile Java applications into native executables.
▪️ Native executables usually start faster and use less memory.
▪️ GraalVM also supports embedding languages such as JavaScript and Python inside Java applications.
🔸 WHAT IS GRAALVM?
GraalVM is a JDK distribution that can run normal Java applications.
Its best-known feature, Native Image, can transform a Java application into a standalone executable created before the application starts.
It is therefore not a replacement for Java; it is another way to build and run Java applications.
1️⃣ JIT VS NATIVE COMPILATION
A classic JVM normally:
Java code → bytecode → JVM → machine code
The JVM progressively optimizes frequently executed code using Just-In-Time compilation.
GraalVM Native Image can instead use:
Java code → native executable
Most compilation and analysis happen during the build.
2️⃣ STARTUP AND MEMORY
A JVM application needs the JVM to start, load classes and warm up before reaching its best performance.
A native executable generally:
▪️ Starts faster ⚡
▪️ Uses less memory 📉
▪️ Works well for containers, CLI tools and short-lived services 📦
The trade-off is a longer and more complex build process. Dynamic features such as reflection may also require additional configuration.
3️⃣ MORE THAN JAVA
The classic JVM mainly runs languages compiled to JVM bytecode, such as Java, Kotlin or Scala.
GraalVM can also embed other languages (including JavaScript and Python) inside an application.
Java can expose selected functions to those languages while keeping control over what they may access.
🚀 WHAT GRAALVM 25.2 BRINGS
The release introduces:
▪️ Sandboxed, AI-generated application plugins 🤖
▪️ Compressed references enabled by default for lower Native Image memory usage
▪️ G1 support for Native Image across Linux, macOS and Windows
▪️ Vector API support enabled by default when its module is included
GraalVM 25.2 belongs to the new monthly innovation release train.
🔸 TAKEAWAYS
▪️ Keep the classic JVM for flexible, long-running applications.
▪️ Consider Native Image when startup time and memory matter.
▪️ GraalVM still runs ordinary Java applications.
▪️ Native compilation brings benefits, but also build-time constraints.
▪️ Test both approaches with your real workload before choosing.
📥 Download: https://www.graalvm.org/downloads/
📋 Release notes: https://www.graalvm.org/release-notes/25.2/
🔎 See what’s new: https://medium.com/graalvm/graalvm-25-2-is-here-600a9ae53f83
#Java #GraalVM #NativeImage #JVM #CloudNative #Microservices #Performance #SpringBoot
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