Native Build Tools Project Introduction
The Native Build Tools project encompasses a collection of plugins designed to facilitate seamless interoperability with the GraalVM Native Image, an advanced technology that enables Java applications to run as standalone executables with significantly reduced startup times and memory usage.
Overview
Hosted on GitHub, the Native Build Tools repository works diligently to integrate GraalVM Native Image capabilities with prominent build tools like Maven and Gradle. The foundation of this project lies in creating efficient and user-friendly plugins that bridge the gap between traditional Java build processes and the cutting-edge technology offered by GraalVM.
Relevant documentation for end-users can be accessed here, providing a repository of information crucial for both beginners and advanced users.
Key Components
Native Maven Plugin
One of the pivotal components of this project is the native-maven-plugin. It is tailored specifically for users who rely on Maven as their primary build tool. This plugin empowers developers to leverage GraalVM Native Image capabilities within their Maven projects seamlessly.
Native Gradle Plugin
Similarly, the native-gradle-plugin serves the Gradle community. This plugin allows Gradle users to effortlessly incorporate GraalVM Native Image features into their build workflow, enabling Java applications to reap the benefits of native compilation.
Common Subprojects
The project also includes common subprojects like junit-platform-native, which extends JUnit testing capabilities in the native image context. This ensures robust testing and validation as part of the development cycle when using native compiled environments.
Getting Started
For developers eager to dive into using these plugins, comprehensive quickstart guides are available:
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Maven Plugin: A guide to getting started with the Maven plugin can be found here.
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Gradle Plugin: Similarly, assistance with getting started using the Gradle plugin is available here.
These resources are designed to provide step-by-step instructions to help users set up and utilize the plugins effectively, ensuring a smooth transition to using GraalVM Native Image technologies in their projects.
Sample Projects
To further support learning and experimentation, the repository contains various sample projects which can be found in the samples subdirectory. These examples demonstrate practical use cases and offer a hands-on approach to exploring the capabilities of the plugins.
Contribution
The Native Build Tools project welcomes contributions from developers worldwide. Those interested in contributing code should start by signing the Oracle Contributor Agreement (OCA), which can be accessed here. Only contributions from verified committers who have signed the OCA can be accepted, ensuring a secure and collaborative development environment.
Conclusion
By integrating GraalVM Native Image with popular build tools like Maven and Gradle, the Native Build Tools project stands at the forefront of enhancing Java application performance. Its user-centric plugins, comprehensive guides, and welcoming contribution policy make it an invaluable resource for developers seeking to push the boundaries of Java execution in native environments.