Developing numerical libraries in Java

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges and strategies for developing efficient numerical libraries in Java, including performance benchmarks and a proposed development plan for a fundamental toolkit.

Contribution

It provides practical insights into Java's impact on numerical library design and introduces a strategy for creating a core numerical toolkit for Java.

Findings

Performance benchmarks of numerical kernels on Java platforms

Identification of practical issues affecting Java-based numerical software

Proposed development strategy for a Java numerical toolkit

Abstract

The rapid and widespread adoption of Java has created a demand for reliable and reusable mathematical software components to support the growing number of compute-intensive applications now under development, particularly in science and engineering. In this paper we address practical issues of the Java language and environment which have an effect on numerical library design and development. Benchmarks which illustrate the current levels of performance of key numerical kernels on a variety of Java platforms are presented. Finally, a strategy for the development of a fundamental numerical toolkit for Java is proposed and its current status is described.