Reducing Cold Starts for Java Serverless Applications in AWS - GraalVM and AWS SnapStart

Explore strategies for reducing cold start times in Java serverless applications on AWS in this conference talk by Vadym Kazulkin. Learn about the challenges faced by Java developers in serverless environments and discover best practices for improving application performance. Dive into AWS SnapStart, based on FirecrackerVM snapshots and the CRaC project, and understand its benefits, limitations, and deployment considerations. Examine the potential of GraalVM Native Image for optimizing Java applications. Gain insights into practical recommendations for enhancing Java serverless development on AWS, including tips for working with DynamoDB and AWS Lambda. Conclude with a cautionary note on balancing performance optimization with other crucial factors in software engineering.

Intro
Java popularity
Life of the Java Serverless developer on AWS
Serverless with Java challenges
Challenge No. 1
Best practices & recommendations
AWS SnapStart
AWS SnapStart challenges & limitations
Best practices & recommendations
AWS SnapStart deployment & invocation
GraalVM
GraalVM conclusions
Word of caution
Outro