Optimizing Java

Chapter 11. Java Language Performance Techniques

So far, we have explored the mechanisms by which the JVM takes the code written by a developer, converts it into bytecode, and optimizes it to high-performance compiled code.

It would be wonderful if every Java application were composed of top-quality, pristine code that was architected with performance in mind. The reality, however, is often quite different. Despite this, in many cases the JVM can take suboptimal code and make it work reasonably well—a testament to the power and robustness of the environment.

Even applications that have an insane code base and are difficult to maintain can often somehow be made to work adequately in production. Of course, no one wants to maintain or modify such applications. So what is left for the developer to consider when this type of code base needs to be tuned for performance?

After external application factors, such as network connectivity, I/O, and databases, one of the biggest potential bottlenecks for performance is the design of the code. Design is an incredibly difficult part to get right, and no design is ever perfect.

Note

Optimizing Java is complicated, and in Chapter 13, we’ll look at how profiling tools can assist in finding code that is not performing as it should.

In spite of this, there are some basic aspects of code that the performance-conscious developer should keep in mind. For example, how data is stored in the application is incredibly important. And, as business requirements ...