GraalVM Replaces the GraalVM Updater with Language Libraries

GraalVM is a high-performance runtime that supports multiple languages, including Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and WebAssembly. It provides a platform where different programming languages can interoperate seamlessly, allowing developers to write code in multiple languages and run them on the same runtime. The GraalVM team recently announced a change in how GraalVM language runtimes and utilities are managed. Starting with JDK 21, Java libraries will replace the GraalVM Updater (gu) for installation and management of language runtimes and utilities. This change aims to simplify the process and provide a more consistent developer experience. The GraalVM Updater (gu) was previously used to download and manage language runtimes and utilities in GraalVM. It allowed developers to easily install and switch between different versions of the GraalVM runtime and utilities. However, the use of Java libraries as the replacement for the updater offers several advantages. Firstly, by leveraging Java libraries, developers can manage language runtimes and utilities using familiar Java tools and workflows. This eliminates the need to learn a new tool specific to GraalVM and reduces the learning curve for developers. Secondly, the use of Java libraries enables seamless integration with existing build systems and package managers. Developers can include the necessary dependencies in their project's build file or package configuration, making it easier to distribute and deploy applications that use GraalVM language runtimes and utilities. Additionally, Java libraries provide a more extensible and modular approach to managing GraalVM language runtimes and utilities. Developers can take advantage of the rich ecosystem of Java libraries and frameworks to enhance their development workflows and automate common tasks. The availability of libraries for languages such as JavaScript, Node.js, Python, WebAssembly, and Ruby further enhances the developer experience. Developers can easily incorporate these language runtimes into their projects by including the respective libraries as dependencies. In conclusion, the transition from the GraalVM Updater (gu) to Java libraries for managing language runtimes and utilities brings several benefits to developers. It simplifies the installation and management process, leverages familiar Java tools and workflows, integrates seamlessly with existing build systems and package managers, and provides extensibility and modularity. With libraries available for popular languages, developers can easily incorporate GraalVM language runtimes into their projects and take advantage of the powerful capabilities offered by GraalVM.