The landscape of Java LTS releases in use shows the prevalence of mature LTS versions in development, meaning that many software applications lack modern Java features designed to allow smooth operation and effective performance in the cloud.
Consequently, Java’s delayed migration gradually increases the cloud costs (all due to slower startup, lower performance, bigger RAM requirements, and other outdated technical capacities).
A timely Java upgrade is also required for Spring Boot 2.7 users. Spring is the most popular framework for Java development. Its latest version, Spring Boot 3.1, delivers an enhanced way of building Java applications, making it easier and faster to develop and run production-ready applications.
Still, many developers rely on the older Spring Boot 2.7 version, as upgrading to Spring Boot 3.1 is a complex task that includes significant changes and the need for large volumes of code rewrite. It is important to note that VMware offers commercial support for the 2.7 version. Spring Boot 3.1 requires Java 17 or higher. So, you must update your JDK to at least version JDK 17 before moving to Spring Boot 3.1.
Prioritizing timely upgrades of both Java and Spring versions is highly recommended by their vendors. However, the business choice to continue using ongoing versions is quite understandable; it is challenging to manage new development goals and be on time with migrating ongoing workloads to new LTS releases.
For those cases, BelSoft created a solution that allows enterprises to continue using JDK 8 or 11 while gaining the functionalities of Java 17. Liberica JDK Performance Edition connects JDK 8 or 11 with JDK 17 via simple installation and does not require rewriting the code. The benefits of Liberica JDK Performance Edition include a direct boost for Java performance via up-to-date modern Java features and cost reductions in the IT budget due to fewer resources being required and spent. Namely, Liberica JDK Performance Edition on AArch64 allows Java workloads to operate on,
1) fewer instances and
2) instances available at much lower prices.
Recently added AArch64 support for Liberica JDK Performance Edition is suitable for any Arm-based architecture, which is considered a cost-aware architecture. Cloud vendors are paying special attention to such hardware to save money. In particular, with performance equal to x86_64, a similar instance may help one achieve up to 45 percent savings when switching to Graviton by Amazon.
ARM instances in the cloud allow better vertical scalability and come cheaper, as cloud providers use machines with many cores and larger memory. However, to reach maximum efficiency and performance of vertical scaling, a modern JVM is required. Liberica JDK Performance Edition on AArch64 is a runtime that delivers a modern JVM for this goal.
ARM is gaining popularity and is highly suitable for the cloud, where cloud vendors promote ARM-based architecture via special discounted offers.
When Java migration to the newer LTS version is complex and expensive, Liberica JDK Performance Edition is available via simple installation and provides an immediate performance boost for Java.
Also read: Proficiencies Required to be a Full Stack Java Developer
Boosting your Java with Liberica JDK Performance Edition
Liberica JDK Performance Edition integrates HotSpot JVM 17 into JDK 8 or 11 builds, delivering multiple enhancements introduced up to Java version 17, with a primary focus on garbage collection enhancements. These modifications have a considerable impact on optimizing application throughput, latency, and startup.
The Spring Pet Clinic tests showed increased performance results for Java workloads running on AArch64 architecture:
- In faster application response: 16.9% on JDK 8 and 10% on JDK 11;
- Shorter G1 GC pauses: by 70% on JDK 8 and 46% on JDK 11;
- Less RAM needed: by 12% on JDK 8 with G1 GC and by 25% on JDK 11 with G1 GC;
- Better startup time: by 7.7% on JDK 8 and 7.6% on JDK 11.
The results illustrated by these numbers are reached via either a reduction in the size of instances, or their number used; and their full compliance with modern requirements for Java applications.
Benefits of ARM-based architecture
In the recent past, Arm-based processors were mainly perceived as a hardware for the embedded market because they offer sufficient performance while keeping power consumption low. Today, there is a complete hardware and software Arm ecosystem for both cloud production and development.
As cost reduction is a strong driver towards trying new instances, the ARM instance’s popularity will only rise due to its better work with containers, IDEs, JDKs, and cross-compilers.
Java on ARM is the “sustainable” Java many organizations seek today. ARM-based architecture improves processing efficiency and contributes to hardware power savings. Java applications working on ARM instances improve performance and efficiency for cloud workloads.
Transferring mature Java releases to the cloud is not very practical as Java workloads of LTS 8 or 11 will need further adaptation to the cloud environment, the latest JDK 17 and 21 already contain features necessary for a cloud and allow smooth work in this environment. Java applications on mature LTS in the cloud will consume larger resources and have lower performance. For cost and operation efficiency in software development, you should use ARM instances and modern Java releases. In case you are behind the Java cadence, use appropriate tools to bridge to JDK 17 or higher to stay efficient and competitive enough in the ongoing development.
