JEP 483 (Ahead-of-Time Class Loading & Linking): Part of Project Leyden to reduce Java program footprint. Builds on AppCDS.

• Requires training run to create AOT cache. Classpath must be consistent.

Using Apache Kafka for AOT: Download Kafka 4.0. Generate class list with -XX:AOTMode=record.

• Produce/consume messages to trigger class loading. AOT cache size is 66 MB.
• Using AOT cache reduces Kafka start-up time by 59% compared to no cache.
• Disabling AOT class linking gives similar result as AppCDS. Kafka native binary takes less time.

Summary: AOT class loading and linking cuts JVM start-up time. Good for cloud-native scenarios.

• No app code changes needed. Training run could be improved.
• Compares to GraalVM: overlap in goals. GraalVM more advanced but requires adjustments.
• Project Leyden is picking up with other JEPs.