Java Profiler Tools to Consider in 2023

Developers are constantly in search of tools that can assist them in crafting top-notch software. Java, a programming language that has held a prominent position in the field for more than 27 years, is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to Java development. Now, while we know Java itself as a strong programming language, without profiler tools, it would not be as efficient. 

High-functioning, efficient, quality custom software comes from optimizing performance and refining solutions as much as possible. When it comes to Java frameworks, this is often a priority as developers need to plan for contingencies and identify performance issues before they impact the software.

Java Profilers

So why would a developer use this? What real benefit is there when using a Java profiler to build custom enterprise software? 

A Java profiler is what monitors Java bytecode and builds the operation at the JVM level. These tools perform several profiling features which include:

• CPU profiling: Helps developers identify which parts of their code are the most CPU-intensive and may be causing performance bottlenecks. By optimizing these sections of code, developers can reduce CPU usage and improve overall application performance.

• Memory profiling: These tools track memory usage, object creation, and memory leaks within an application. They help developers identify excessive memory consumption, memory leaks (where memory is not properly released after use), and inefficient memory allocation patterns. 

• Garbage collector: The garbage collector (GC) in Java is responsible for automatically managing memory by reclaiming memory occupied by objects that are no longer in use which prevents memory leaks. By analyzing this data, developers can fine-tune garbage collector settings to minimize disruptions and optimize memory management.

• Thread JSbehavior: This type of profiling helps developers detect issues such as deadlocks (when threads are stuck and cannot proceed), contention (multiple threads competing for resources), and excessive thread creation. Optimizing thread behaviour ensures efficient utilization of system resources.

• Function execution: Function execution profiling focuses on tracking the performance of individual functions or methods within your Java code. Profiler tools provide information about which functions consume the most CPU time and how often they are called. This is great for fine-tuning code to improve overall application efficiency.

These aspects of profiler tools not only improve the quality of the software but also contribute to cost savings and a better user experience. The reason there’s an emphasis on avoiding memory leaks is because they can lead to performance degradation, varying with the application's runtime, which can potentially result in system-wide crashes. By assessing the effectiveness of thread utilization, developers can proactively avert deadlocks and reduce issues, thereby safeguarding the responsiveness of the application.

Different Types of Profiler Tools

Many Java users, particularly novice programmers, often confine themselves to relying solely on standard JVM profilers when it comes to debugging. However, in cases where applications exhibit more intricate designs, a comprehensive analysis to pinpoint potential bugs may require a broader array of tools or additional time investment. Within the realm of Java profiling, there are three distinct categories of tools tailored for such purposes:

Lightweight Profilers

Lightweight Java transaction profilers are injected directly into the codebase and can be specialized in either aspect-oriented programming (AOP) or the Java Instrumentation API. AOP-based profilers are embedded within the start and end methods, providing insights into the time required for an entire performance cycle. Meanwhile, the Java Instrumentation API allows for instrumentation during the execution process.

Lightweight profilers offer the advantage of consuming fewer system resources and ease of setup. However, it's important to bear in mind that their applicability is often confined to specific areas, necessitating the use of supplementary tools for monitoring other aspects of application performance.

APM Tools

Application Performance Management (APM) Java profiling tools are explicitly engineered for scrutinizing the production landscape. They diverge from standard and lightweight Java Profiler Tools (JPT) in terms of instrumentation rules designed not to disrupt CPU cycles. APM operates by sampling traces within defined time frames, delivering a direct insight into performance methodologies during runtime.

Standard JVM Profilers

Standard Java profilers are the most prevalent choice among developers for tracking the creation and execution of methods. They can be seamlessly integrated into the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or function as standalone tools, facilitating the monitoring of CPU utilization, garbage collection, and thread behaviour.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that despite their widespread use, standard JVM profilers do present certain limitations:

They necessitate direct integration into the code, thereby constraining their utility within development environments. While some tools can independently perform thread analysis and garbage collection, their performance might be constrained. Operating in parallel with the application, these profilers can potentially impact processing power, thereby affecting the overall performance of the application.

Top Profilers to Consider

So with what we know about profilers now, what can we say about the options out there for developers today?

Here are some profile tools you’ll want to become familiar with:

JProfiler: A comprehensive professional tool for analyzing running JVMs, it uses CPU profiling, memory, SQL queries, and thread profiling.

YourKit Java Profiler: This is a commercial profiler that runs on multiple platforms and provides thread visualization, garbage collection, CPU profiling, and memory profiling. It’s good for both the production and development stages.

Java VisualVM: A free and open-source tool included with the JDK. It offers process configuration, performance monitoring, memory usage, and thread visualization. It's also lightweight and user-friendly.

VisualVM+: This is an enhanced version of Java VisualVM, with additional features like CPU sampling, heap dump analysis, and thread dump analysis for more detailed performance insights.

NetBeans Profiler: Integrated into the NetBeans IDE, this free profiler includes CPU profiling, memory profiling, and thread profiling, which makes it ideal for NetBeans users.

Java Flight Recorder: A commercial profiler by Oracle that also uses CPU profiling, memory profiling, and thread profiling. It’s really good for profiling Java applications in production environments.

Stackify Retrace: Yet another commercial Java profiler tool offering CPU profiling, memory profiling, and thread profiling. This one is designed for monitoring Java application performance in production environments.

The Takeaway

When it comes to Java development, profiler tools are just another piece of a much bigger puzzle. Issues can come at you promptly during development, and profilers are going to help you respond just as quickly. But without proper expertise or guidance, you might find yourself running into walls. 

At ISU Corp, we help you mitigate that risk, and take on an owner’s mindset to ensure our services match your needs.

Written By Ben Brown

—

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

Top 7 Best Java Build Tools

Cutting down workflows is the name of the game in the world of custom software development. Build tools are great for B2B companies in this case since they handle the process of creating, compiling, and managing code. Yet, it’s no easy task to find a match between the features of tools and the particular demands of a project.

Nonetheless, streamlining workflows during development heavily relies on Java build tools - being aware of what they can do and how they can be integrated will set you up for success. By automating the Java application creation process through source code, managing dependencies, and handling bytecode, developers can reduce the likelihood of errors in addition to labour. 

This mechanized coding process also lets developers create unit and integration tests, which expands code coverage analysis. Additionally, it aids in packaging and distributing Java applications, thereby streamlining the software deployment process as a whole. 

Java Build Tools Explained

A build tool is a utility that operates through command-line instructions while automating the process of building applications systematically. Within the Java context, these tools turn code files into bytecode and then package them into executable files or resource libraries.

Having build tools simplifies the process of managing dependencies for enterprises undergoing Java development. By automating tasks, these tools reduce the chances of errors. This, in turn, creates space for the implementation of testing protocols before the deployment of the actual product. The reduction in potential complications augments the likelihood of the final product meeting the criteria set by the client or end-user, thereby fostering confidence in the development team.

What to Look For When Choosing a Tool

When you’re looking for a Java build tool, there are several factors to consider. Personal preference is of course important, but it's best to focus on the complexity of the project, community support and adoption, integration with other tools, and even consider the learning curve for Java developers.

For smaller-volume projects with simple requirements, lightweight tools like Apache Ant can be helpful. However, multiple-module projects that you want to scale up or down include more dependencies and customization needs that require tools with more advanced features. So to put it simply; look for a build tool that offers extensibility and customization with additional plugin features that allow for further customization to meet the specific needs of a project.

Always do your research beforehand, especially when it comes to the scope of the project and how libraries will contribute to performance, structure, or scalability. General libraries, like Boost, STL, or Qt, take more time to research, especially if you need a highly specific function. You’re more likely to find these types of features in libraries meant for particular purposes, such as logging, HTTP, MXL, and connection pools.

A mark of a good tool is best seen in its integration with other tools and the control system version. Through the continual integration of modern Java build tools, there are standard practices that can enhance the development, testing, and deployment of an application, ensuring that any code changes are rapidly delivered and integrated smoothly.

The learning curve for Java can be steep, so always look at starting with tools that are beginner-friendly, like Apache Ant. It will help you, as a developer, gain a practical understanding of the working schematics, while a tool like Maven requires more experience. 

After mastering the basics of Java, make a list of steps for completing just one simple project. Create a map or list that will help you visualize the process. Each step will demand a varying amount of research, so think of a way to keep track of resources and tips. Find online forums with members who have experience and expertise with Java.

Top 7 Java Build Tools

1. Gradle: Gradle stands as a widely embraced build tool that uses a Groovy-based domain-specific language (DSL) for scripting. Its flexibility is a big draw, and it makes it useful during the construction of diverse software projects.

2. Apache Maven: Maven, another popular build tool, places a strong emphasis on convention rather than configuration. With an XML-based configuration file, it manages project dependencies and construction processes.

3. Apache Ant: Despite its age, Apache Ant is still widely utilized as a build tool. It also uses an XML-based configuration file and is super customizable which are both key features that persist in its popularity.

4. Bazel: Bazel is meant for expansive, multi-language ventures, and is as a purpose-built build tool that’s highly scalable. 

5. SBT: Engineered explicitly for Scala projects, SBT is a dedicated build tool. The utility relies on a Scala-based DSL for scripting, and its configurability sets it apart.

6. Dragonboat: Dragonboat is a high-performance multi-group Raft library in Go. With its feature-complete implementation of the Raft consensus algorithm, it has a strong foundation for constructing distributed systems that demand consistency.

7. Go-Zero: Go-Zero offers a web and RPC framework designed for crafting high-performance and resilient services. It’s a comprehensive solution that encompasses a productivity-enhancing code generation tool named goctl, which elevates its efficiency.

Tool Comparison

The general features and use cases of these tools are something developers should absolutely be aware of. We’ll use Gradle as a point of reference, this is a brief look at how they compare and contrast:

Gradle vs. Apache Maven:

• Gradle uses a Groovy-based DSL for scripting, while Maven relies on XML configuration.

• Gradle's flexibility is good for diverse projects, whereas Maven's emphasis on convention specifically simplifies setup.

• Gradle's learning curve might be steeper because of its scripting language, while Maven's XML configuration is a bit more approachable.

Gradle vs. Apache Ant:

• Both Gradle and Ant use XML-based configuration, but Gradle's DSL provides more expressiveness.

• Gradle's adaptability suits varied projects, whereas Ant's customization options are key to its popularity.

• Gradle often requires less manual XML coding than Ant.

Gradle vs. Bazel:

• Gradle is versatile and Groovy-based, while Bazel excels in scalability for large, multi-language projects.

• Gradle's syntax might be more user-friendly for anyone accustomed to scripting languages.

• Bazel's strengths lie in distributed caching and parallelized builds, making it better suited for more complex projects.

Gradle vs. SBT:

• Gradle's Groovy-based DSL contrasts with SBT's Scala-based scripting.

• SBT is optimized for Scala projects, while Gradle's flexibility accommodates a broader range of languages.

• Gradle's learning curve might be gentler because of its scripting familiarity for many developers.

Gradle vs. Dragonboat:

• Gradle is a build tool, while Dragonboat is a high-performance Raft library.

• Gradle focuses on automating build processes, whereas Dragonboat is used for distributed system consistency.

• Comparing the two is like comparing construction tools to foundational components for distributed systems.

Gradle vs. Go-Zero:

• Gradle is a general build tool, while Go-Zero is a web/RPC framework.

• Gradle handles software construction, whereas Go-Zero specializes in high-performance, resilient services.

The Comparison to Gradle is simply because it’s super well-known and widely used within the software development community. 

The Takeaway

It can’t be stressed enough that choosing the best build automation tool hinges largely on how well it aligns with the prerequisites of your Java project. Preliminary research is fundamental here. 

Having a project management tool like Trello, Jira, Asana, or Basecamp can also help out when it comes to tracking your project and keeping it organized. If your project is something you think could benefit from expert help, we’re ready to answer any questions you may have!

Written By Ben Brown

—

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

Comparing Kotlin Vs. Java for Android Apps

Kotlin has come out on top against Java when it comes to favourable options for Android development and is now Google's preferred language for new mobile applications. Kotlin is a statically-typed language; it’s interoperable with Java and examines variable types during compilation, which prevents runtime errors and boosts execution speed. Usually with dynamically-typed languages like Python and JavaScript, types are determined at runtime, which enables faster coding but can lead to verbosity.

While initially designed for Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Kotlin also compiles JavaScript and native binaries using Kotlin Native. This enables cross-platform execution on various systems and produces bytecode, JavaScript, or native binaries as needed.

The main point to be aware of is that developers need to understand the difference between Java and Kotlin as languages especially when transitioning between the two. For that reason, we’ll be looking at the strengths and weaknesses of each, and the different use cases.

Similarities Between Kotlin and Java

Java and Kotlin share similarities in a few ways that are important to know as an Android developer. The first point is that they share the same platform (Java Virtual Machine) which allows them to communicate easily; you can call code from either end. 

Also, Java is applicable in just about any domain which includes web front-end tasks, enterprise solutions, server-side applications, databases, embedded systems, and mobile apps. When it comes to Kotlin, the versatility extends to Android platforms, the JVM, JavaScript environment, and Kotlin/Native framework. Kotlin is also very effective for server-side, web, and desktop development. 

With all this considered, we can’t ignore that Java has a lot more mileage than Kotlin with its introduction to the landscape coming 20 years before Kotlin 1.0. However, in that window, Kotlin has become the preferred choice over Java for Android development. Yet, nobody is saying to replace one with the other.

Comparing the Key Strengths of Each

Java:

When it comes to Java, the community is obviously much bigger which helps with support and resources but also means the developer pool is much greater. Additionally, its speed for both development and compilation is often regarded as better than Kotlin. 

Kotlin:

Kotlin is well known for not needing as many lines of code as Java but finding a solution to a task is still often quicker with Java because of its range of coding processes. However, with Kotlin comes modern programming paradigms and a mixed-language database.

A more general overview of Java and Kotlin’s strengths and weaknesses looks like this: 

Java strengths:

• Easier to learn

• Complex programming language

• More established with a larger developer community

• More support from the Android community

Java weaknesses:

• Complex programming language

• More verbose

• More formalities and rules

Kotlin strengths:

• Clearer

• More flexible and widely applicable

• More expressive

• Less code

• Mixed-language database

• Faster than Java overall

• Offers modern programming paradigms

Kotlin weaknesses:

• Younger than Java with a smaller developer community

• Initial code readability can be difficult

• May cause problems with Android API design

• Test-driven development requires writing more code and carries a higher risk of programming errors and bugs

Use Case Comparison

To give you some insight as to how different these two are, here’s a quick side-by-side of custom logging utility:

Java:

LoggerUtils.logMessage("Hello, this is a log message.");

Kotlin:

"logMessage"("Hello, this is a log message.")

When it comes to an overview of use cases for each, we can uncover distinct strengths tailored to various scenarios:

Java Use Case:

Enterprise-Level Apps: Java's ecosystem and well-established libraries make it great for developing large-scale enterprise apps. Its compatibility with legacy systems is also an upper hand for complex business solutions.

Kotlin Use Case:

User-Friendly UI: Kotlin's syntax and expressive nature help create clean user interfaces. With that said, its intuitive code can lead to faster UI development and better user experiences overall.

Java Use Case:

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Java's compatibility across platforms allows developers to write code that can be reused for Android as well as other environments, which makes it optimal for projects with diverse platform requirements.

Kotlin Use Case:

Modern Features and Concurrency: Kotlin's support for modern programming paradigms, along with built-in support for coroutines, simplifies the management of concurrent operations, which is good for apps that require multitasking.

Java Use Case:

Data-Intensive Apps: Java's extensive libraries and performance optimizations are great for data-intensive applications, such as those involving complex calculations or heavy data processing.

Kotlin Use Case:

Prototyping: Kotlin's syntax allows developers to quickly prototype and iterate on app features. This is helpful in fast-paced development cycles and when testing new ideas.

Java Use Case:

Legacy Code Integration: For projects that involve integrating with existing Java codebases, Java is the seamless choice due to its native interoperability with the Android platform.

Kotlin Use Case:

Null Safety: Kotlin's null safety features reduce the likelihood of null pointer exceptions, which is good for apps where data integrity and app stability are priorities.

Development Expertise

Java's syntax, while verbose, stands as one of the most popular object-oriented programming languages. Practically every developer possesses a certain degree of familiarity with Java, which makes it a fallback option for Android app ideas. 

Kotlin, with its succinct and less verbose code structure, offers an easier learning curve for seamless development. Yet, despite this user-friendly aspect, Kotlin's compiler can yield complex errors. For instance, smart casts allowing raw types, while not identified as errors during compilation, can lead to runtime crashes. Finding proficient developers capable of efficiently debugging and crafting error-free programs can be challenging, especially under tight timelines.

In cases where your development team lacks end-to-end Kotlin expertise, Java will be the more suitable choice.

Project Scope

Securing developers capable of readily delivering solutions for your Kotlin application can be a costly and challenging pursuit. While Kotlin's support community is expanding, it’s still not on par with Java's vast reach. Consequently, Kotlin's full-stack development journey may not be as smooth as desired for intricate, multifaceted projects.

Java's maintenance and development cycles tend to be longer due to its familiarity, which entails parsing through more code. For instance, Java's checked exceptions mandate explicit handling or re-throwing, sometimes leading to time-consuming empty catch blocks that necessitate debugging.

However, these considerations don't negate the strengths of either language. For smaller projects with limited scalability requirements, Kotlin shines. Even for larger projects, a substantial budget can render Kotlin viable with a promising return on investment Netflix stands as a prime example. On the other hand, Java is just simply reliable for big undertakings, assuming that a proportional budget is allocated for project support.

The Takeaway

We’ll likely see many more programming language showdowns, as the choice between languages continues to be influenced by factors like project size, team expertise, and evolving development trends. When a company begins looking for support on projects like app dev, make sure that the team you’re working with understands the scope of your project and has the expertise that’ll guide you to success. 

Written By Ben Brown

—

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.