Optimizing Docker Images with JLink for Spring Boot Java Applications

2023/08/29

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The article explores the use of JLink to optimize Docker image sizes for Spring Boot Java applications. It highlights the importance of smaller images in achieving a smaller attack surface and enhancing application security and performance. JLink is a command-line tool introduced in JDK 9 that assembles and optimizes modules and their dependencies into a custom runtime image. By creating a minimal Java runtime environment with only the necessary modules, JLink significantly reduces the size of Docker images. For example, a standard Java runtime environment can be reduced from over 200 MB to less than 50 MB. The article also provides instructions on how to use JLink with Spring Boot applications, which often come with many dependencies and lack module declarations. By utilizing JLink, developers can create smaller and more efficient Docker images for their Java applications.