How to embed a Java application as a standalone executable with Avian?

Follow the embedding steps in the README: build Avian with appropriate flags, compile Java code against the Avian classpath, link VM objects with a custom C++ driver, and optionally use boot images for faster startup. It requires manual setup and cross-platform adjustments.

Avian vs GraalVM native image for lightweight Java apps?

Avian focuses on minimal footprint and embeddability with a simpler VM, but is unmaintained. GraalVM offers full Java compatibility, better performance, and active development, but with a larger runtime. Choose Avian only for legacy or ultra-constrained environments.

Does Avian support Java 8 or later features?

Avian is based on Java 7 and its default class library lacks newer features. OpenJDK builds might offer more compatibility but are not guaranteed to support latest Java versions, and the project is not updated.

Can I use Avian for iOS app development?

Yes, Avian supports iOS via JIT-less or boot image builds, as mentioned in the README. However, it requires complex setup and is not a standard iOS development tool, limiting its practicality.

What are the performance trade-offs with Avian's boot images?

Boot images improve startup time by pre-compiling methods but increase executable size by 30-50%. Floating-point code may be slower on 32-bit x86 due to lack of SSE2 support, as noted in the embedding documentation.

Is Avian suitable for server-side applications?

Not ideal. Avian lacks server-specific optimizations and advanced garbage collection found in full JVMs like HotSpot. Its lightweight design is better for short-lived or embedded processes.

Open-Awesome

Avian

NOASSERTIONC++

A lightweight Java Virtual Machine and class library for building self-contained applications.

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What is Avian?

Avian is a lightweight Java Virtual Machine and class library that provides a subset of Java's features for building self-contained applications. It allows developers to embed Java code directly into native executables, eliminating the need for a separate JRE installation. The project targets scenarios where minimal footprint and portability are critical.

Target Audience

Developers building embedded systems, standalone desktop applications, or mobile apps (including iOS) who need a minimal Java runtime without the overhead of a full JVM.

Value Proposition

Avian offers a significantly smaller footprint than standard JVMs while maintaining Java compatibility for common use cases. Its embeddable design and support for ahead-of-time compilation make it ideal for creating self-contained executables that start quickly and run on multiple platforms.

Overview

[INACTIVE] Avian is a lightweight virtual machine and class library designed to provide a useful subset of Java's features, suitable for building self-contained applications.

Use Cases

Best For

Creating standalone executables from Java applications
Embedding Java runtimes in resource-constrained environments
Building cross-platform desktop applications with minimal dependencies
Developing iOS applications using Java (via JIT-less or boot image builds)
Reducing startup time and memory footprint for Java-based tools
Producing self-contained distribution packages without JRE installation

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring full Java SE compatibility or access to all standard libraries
Teams needing active maintenance, security updates, or community support
Applications heavily dependent on Java features not in Avian's lightweight class library
Environments where ease of setup with standard tooling is prioritized over custom builds

Pros & Cons

Pros

Lightweight Footprint

Avian's VM is significantly smaller than standard JVMs, optimized for minimal size and fast startup, ideal for embedded systems.

Cross-Platform Portability

Supports Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and FreeBSD across x86 and ARM architectures, enabling deployment on diverse devices.

Embeddable Design

Can be compiled into standalone executables, eliminating the need for a separate JRE installation, as shown in the embedding examples.

Boot Image Optimization

Offers ahead-of-time compilation via boot images for faster startup, crucial for iOS where JIT is restricted.

Cons

Abandoned Project

Explicitly marked as not developed, maintained, or supported, posing significant risks for production use and long-term viability.

Complex Build Process

Requires manual configuration with numerous flags, dependencies like GCC/Clang, and cross-compilation setups, which can be error-prone and time-consuming.

Limited Compatibility

Default class library only provides a subset of Java features; using OpenJDK or Android libraries increases size and adds build complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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