Native Image
A GraalVM feature that performs ahead-of-time analysis and compilation of a Java application into a native executable with a runtime model different from a conventional JIT-optimized JVM.
AOT Execution Model
GraalVM Native Image analyzes reachable application code during the build and produces a native executable. That is a different runtime model from a traditional JVM that profiles and JIT-compiles code during execution.
Startup time and initial memory footprint can improve substantially, but this does not imply higher steady-state throughput for every workload.
Closed-World Assumption
Classes, reflection use, resources, JNI and dynamic proxies generally need to be discoverable during the build. Framework behavior that relies on runtime discovery can require additional metadata or configuration.
Performance Decision
Native Image can be attractive for short-lived CLI tools, functions and services where startup matters. Long-running workloads that benefit from JIT profile information should be measured separately.