In a move to boost Java performance in cloud environments, an OpenJDK proposal aims to reduce the size of the Java Development Kit (JDK) by a significant 25%. The plan, titled "Linking Run-Time Images without JMODs," seeks to enable the jlink tool to create custom runtime images without relying on the JDK's JMOD files.

This development is crucial for the tech and startup community, as it addresses the inefficiency of copying large container images over the network from container registries. By shrinking the JDK's installed size, the proposal promises to improve the efficiency of these operations, making it a welcome optimization for cloud-based Java applications.

The proposal explains that JMOD files, which account for 25% of the JDK's total size, can be omitted if the jlink tool is enhanced to extract necessary resources from the runtime image itself. This would introduce a new JDK build-time configuration option, allowing vendors to build a smaller JDK with the same modules.

The impact of this proposal is significant, as it has the potential to improve Java performance in cloud environments, making it an important development for the tech and startup community.