JITs are Nice, but Why Aren't We Using Them? - Dynamic Language Performance Challenges

Explore the challenges and opportunities of Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation in dynamic programming languages through this 30-minute invited talk from the DLS 2023 conference. Delve into the evolution of dynamic languages like Python, Ruby, JavaScript, PHP, and Lua, examining their strengths in developer experience and widespread use in web applications. Analyze the performance limitations of language interpreters in the face of diminishing hardware improvements and cloud computing constraints. Investigate the potential of JIT compilation to enhance dynamic language performance, while considering the costs and challenges of implementing and maintaining JIT compilers. Evaluate the promise and drawbacks of meta-compilation approaches. Gain insights from a large-scale industrial perspective on deploying Ruby projects, assessing current VM limitations, highlighting impactful advancements, and considering crucial factors for the future of dynamic language implementation.

[DLS23] JITs are Nice, but Why Aren’t We Using Them?